Almost every week a child is seriously injured due to driveway run-over incidents every year in Australia, and tragically seven children are killed a year on average, prompting a reminder about the importance of driveway safety ahead of school holidays this summer.
Taking an extra few minutes before you back out on your way to the beach this summer holidays could help save lives, a road injuries lawyer is advising motorists.
Slater and Gordon Senior Associate in Work and Roads Sarah Elseidy said it was common for there to be increased traffic movement during the day on school holidays and more children were likely to be playing, riding bikes, scooters and skateboards on roads and footpaths.
“It’s no secret that kids can be unpredictable on and around roads and driveways, as well as quick. They may follow you to the driveway to see what you are doing or say goodbye, or in the rush of packing you may not see them get out of the car, which can and does lead to unexpected incidents, some which are catastrophic.
“Kids don’t have the same road sense as adults and can be harder to see due to their smaller size. Driving more cautiously, particularly when you’re backing out can help avoid accidents, or at least ensure that the outcome for those involved is a lot less serious.
“All vehicles have a large blind spot – some extending back as far as 15 metres – which can make it difficult for the driver to see a child. Even with reversing sensors or cameras, a child may not be noticed until it is too late,” she said.
Ms Elseidy added that the risk of death or serious injury was higher for children, though, even at very low speeds.
“Unfortunately, the statistics don’t lie. While it’s not nice to think about, we all want everyone to be safe these holidays which is why we have to always be alert in the rush of packing up for a summer adventure,” Ms Elseidy said.
Motor Vehicle accidents advice for drivers
- Remember children are harder to see and can be unpredictable around roads
- Be cautious when reversing out of driveways as children could be walking or riding past
- Understand that behavioural, perception and risk elements of children’s brains aren’t fully developed
- Increase your vigilance and adjust your driving in suburban streets and near places where children are likely to congregate during the day, such as parks, schools, skate parks and bike tracks
Key Facts:
According to Kidsafe Victoria on average, one child a week is seriously injued due to driveway run over incidents and every year 7 children aged 0-14 years are killed.
With the school holidays coming up, in the hurry of packing for the beach or a prepring to drive for a Christmas lunch families may forget to check behind the and assume the chold hasn't wandered out of the car while they've been busy packing the boot.
This summer road injuried lawyers are advising drivers of a timely reminder, that taking a few minutes before you back out on your way to the beach this summer holidays could help save lives.
In 85% of cases, the driver does not know that a child is close to the vehicle; they think they are being looked after elsewhere.
Most driveway run overs occur in the driveway of the child’s own home, or in a friend or relative’s driveway. The driver is usually a parent, relative or family friend.
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