Since 2001, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have undertaken research of all accidents involving children in or near cars or vans at their home. They discovered that 20 children had been killed on, or near, the driveways of their home.
- All the children were under 7 years old
- Sadly, it is often a family member or neighbour who is driving the vehicle in these incidents.
- More than half of the surveyed parents remembered instances where their child followed them out of the house without their awareness.
One of the most common circumstances for these types of accidents is when a car is being reversed off a driveway. Some of the reasons for this is that the driver has a limited view when reversing and small children may not be visible in the mirrors. It’s also easy for drivers to let their guard down or go into autopilot when reversing as it’s something that they do daily. This can make an accident more likely.
To help prevent such accidents in the future follow these simple safety measures.
Before you start to reverse the car:
- Check for Children: Before starting your vehicle, walk around the car to ensure no children are playing near or behind it. Be thorough and attentive.
- Communicate with Family Members: Confirm with a family member that it is safe to start and move the vehicle.
- Ensure Clear Pathways: Make sure all toys, bicycles, or other obstacles are removed from the driveway and pathways before you begin reversing. This helps prevent accidents and tripping hazards.
- Secure Doors and Windows: Ensure that all car doors and windows are securely closed to prevent children from accidentally entering the vehicle.
As you reverse the car:
- Check Rear view Mirrors: Use your rear and side view mirrors to continuously check the area around your vehicle. Take extra caution if your vehicle has limited rear visibility.
- Check Blind Spots: Turn your head and physically check blind spots by looking over your shoulders before and during the reversing process. Blind spots can hide children or other objects from your mirrors.
- Go Slowly: Reverse at a slow and controlled speed, maintaining awareness of your surroundings. This allows you to react quickly if a child unexpectedly enters your path.
- Avoid Distractions: Focus solely on driving while reversing. Avoid distractions like phone usage, loud music, or engaging in conversations that might divert your attention.
- Use Rear view Camera (if available): If your vehicle is equipped with a rearview camera, utilize it to enhance your visibility and help detect any obstacles or children in your path.
In England, Three children died after being struck by a car after the handbrake was accidentally released. (RoSPA safety leaflet – pdf)
Here are some important reminders for vehicle safety:
- Park in Gear: Whenever you park, especially on a slope, always engage the gear (such as "park" or "first gear") and turn the steering wheel. This way, if the brakes fail, the car won't roll straight into traffic.
- Never Leave Children Unattended: It's crucial to never leave young children alone inside a vehicle, even if the engine is turned off. Always ensure they are accompanied by a responsible adult.
- Cars Are Not for Play: A car is not a safe place for children to play. There have been tragic accidents where children accidentally released the handbrake. Discourage your children from playing with car windows and make sure potentially dangerous items, like lighters and medicines, are out of their reach.
- Secure Car Keys at Home: Keep your car keys in a safe place at home, ensuring they are out of reach and sight of children. This helps prevent curious hands from accessing the keys.
- Remove Keys from Ignition: Whenever you leave the car, never leave the keys in the ignition. Always take them with you to prevent unauthorized access or accidental operation of the vehicle.
- Always Lock Your Car: Make it a habit to lock your car whenever you leave it, even if you're just stepping away for a moment.
- Lock the Steering Wheel: After removing the ignition key, turn the steering wheel until it locks.
For more detailed information and safety resources, please see the ROSPA website and the Iain Goodwill's Trust Leaflet (this leaflet is a pdf).
Remember, consistent effort and awareness is crucial in keeping your child safe around driveways. By implementing these action points and additional safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risks and protect your children.