5 Tips to Keep Your Driveway Injury-Free this Summer
5 Tips to Keep Your Driveway Injury-Free this Summer
The spring and summer months
are traditionally the deadliest time for driveway run overs.
Safekids Aotearoa, ACC, Starship Foundation, Evan Christian,
Housing NZ, Auckland Council and NZ Post have joined up to
bring you 5 tips that can reduce the risk of a child being
run over in your home driveway.
• Use
safety gates. The warm weather means doors are
often left open, making it easier for children to sneak out
unnoticed. Consider using safety gates if you have toddlers
and doors that lead to a driveway.
• Be vigilant around meal times. Most run overs happen late in the mornings and early evenings when parents are busy preparing meals, arriving home or leaving the property. Ensure a responsible person is assigned to watch over young ones during these times.
• Have a fenced play area. Toddlers are more at risk of being involved in a driveway run over because they move much faster than we think. Having a play area separated from a driveway in addition to supervision can help.
• Slow down and always check. Even if you don’t have children, be careful around driveways-- It’s summer and children are out and about.
• Don’t rely on
cameras and mirrors. Mirrors and cameras are useful
tools for parking, but do not give you a 360 degree view
from the driver’s seat. Don’t rely on tools—walk
around the car and make sure children are supervised by a
responsible adult.
•
Finally, order a free
Check For Me Before You Turn the Key keyring from www.safekids.nz as a reminder about
keeping children safe this summer.
ends