How to keep your child safe around vehicles
Each week in Australia a child is run over by a car around the home*.
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While we’ve seen safety improvements in cars, like reverse cameras and sensor technology, a small child can still be difficult to see when behind a vehicle, so it’s important not to solely rely on this technology when reversing.
Similarly, as a child’s brain is still developing, they may not have the spatial awareness to understand the dangers that may be present around a car.
RACQ’s Education Lead Louise Hart said there were steps parents or family members could take before they left home to reduce the risk of an accident.
“Parents should be aware of where their children are at all times when around moving vehicles,” Ms Hart said.
“If it’s possible, having your child’s play area away from the driveway or the street and even fencing that area off can be beneficial in ensuring they can play safely.
“Our most important advice is to always walk around your car before reversing and make sure any visitors to your house do the same. If you aren’t 100% sure you know that your children are in a safe place, don’t go.”
Ms Hart also said it was important for parents to encourage safe behaviours from a young age.
“Simple steps such as teaching your child to wave goodbye from a safe place (never the driveway), holding their hand when you are near traffic, or encouraging them to stop, look, listen and think every time they cross a road can help to build their spatial awareness,” she said.
“It’s also crucial for parents and family members to model safe behaviour when they’re near a road.
“Using your phone while walking across the road, crossing on a ‘Don’t Walk’ signal or taking unsafe shortcuts could lead to your child mimicking your behaviour.”
With summer holidays approaching and more of us on the road, following these steps will help safeguard your little ones from a potentially fatal accident.
Here are some handy resources on how you can keep your child safe:
- Pedestrians: Tools & tips | StreetSmarts - Queensland Government (initiatives.qld.gov.au)
- Car and Road Safety | Kidsafe Australia
*Child Accident Prevention Foundation of Australia (Kidsafe) data
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