An automobile moving slowly in the driveway may not seem life threatening, but it is for children, especially toddlers. Regardless of whether the vehicle has parking sensors or any kind of driving aid, children may not be easy to see if you’re driving. It might be too late to react once the driver sees them.
Children and Their Curiosity Kid safe NSW Inc. says that every week, children, especially those under the age of three, are run over in their driveway. They either die or sustain severe and permanent injuries. These accidents take place usually at the back of the vehicle where visibility is low. Children can move from a safe spot to the path of the vehicle, especially when not under supervision. They’re naturally curious of their surroundings, so they want to see what’s going on up close. While curiosity is beneficial for a child’s development, not guiding them properly can put them at risk.
Children and Driveway Safety One of the leading reasons children figure in such accidents is their access to the driveway. As children don’t understand the dangers around them yet, they could treat even the most dangerous place in the house as their play area. According to the National Roads and Motorists’ Association, installing screens, gates, fences, and security doors can make the risks go down significantly. The lock can be a security issue, though, so it’s best to set a locking system that isn’t easy to crack when played with. These can make it difficult for children to enter the driveway, and they might eventually stop thinking of going to the area. The Department of Infrastructure and Transport added that changing the design of driveways may also help.
These include reducing the driveway length, the number of vehicles using a shared driveway, and motorised or self-closing fencing. When it comes to the safety of children, it’s best not to underestimate the dangers possibly lurking in every corner of the house. Even the areas people think are safe might become the reason for severe injury or even death. Sources: http://www.kidsafensw.org/road-safety/driveway-safety/ http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/driveway-injuries-trigger-gate-call/2170157/ http://www.boardwalk.com.au/