With school holidays approaching, motorists are being urged to prioritise driveway safety to help prevent tragic accidents involving children. On average, seven children are killed, and many more seriously injured in driveway run-over incidents in Australia each year.
Slater and Gordon Senior Associate in Work and Roads, Sarah Elseidy, has called on drivers to exercise greater caution, particularly during the busy holiday season when children are more likely to be playing in driveways, streets, and parks.
“It’s no secret that kids can be unpredictable and quick, especially around roads and driveways,” Ms Elseidy said. “In the rush of packing for a summer outing, it’s easy to lose sight of where children are, and tragically, this can lead to incidents that are catastrophic.”
Ms Elseidy highlighted the particular risks associated with reversing vehicles, noting that all cars have large blind spots—some extending as far as 15 metres.
“Even with reversing cameras or sensors, a child may not be visible until it’s too late. And at very low speeds, the risk of serious injury or death remains high for children due to their smaller size and fragility,” she said.
Tips for Safer Driving During the Holidays
Drivers are encouraged to take the following precautions to protect children this summer:
- Be aware of blind spots: Children can be difficult to see, even with advanced vehicle technology.
- Drive cautiously in residential areas: Children may be playing, cycling, or running near driveways, streets, or parks.
- Understand children’s unpredictability: Kids have less-developed road sense and may not perceive risks the same way adults do.
- Stay vigilant when reversing: Always check your surroundings and take an extra moment to ensure no children are nearby.
Ms Elseidy said taking a few extra seconds before reversing out of a driveway could make the difference between a near miss and a tragedy.
“These holidays, we’re all looking forward to fun summer adventures, but the safety of our children must come first,” she said.
With increased traffic and activity around suburban streets, parks, and bike paths during school holidays, drivers are reminded to stay alert and adjust their driving to ensure a safe and happy holiday season for everyone.