On Average One Child a Month in Australia Dies In A Home Driveway

Kidsafe Victoria today issued a RED ALERT to parents and visitors to homes where toddlers and young babies are present following another serious driveway incident in Melbourne.

A toddler has suffered serious injuries after being run over twice by a van in the driveway of his Bacchus Marsh home this afternoon.

Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria said parents need to recognise that driveways are one of the most deadliest areas around the home with on average one child being killed every month in Australia.

“Tragically these deaths usually involve a parent, friend of the family or a visiting tradesperson. Most of the cases involved young toddlers who have positioned themselves close by a stationary vehicle. These children were old enough to be mobile, but too small to be easily visible from the driving position when close to the vehicle.”

Dr Stokes said that research has shown most of the accidents occurred at or near the child’s home, where both the parent and the child may have felt that the child was safe.

“A campaign on driveway dangers should be targeted at all new parents and families with small children through early childhood centres, childcare centres and hospitals.”

Kidsafe want it to be compulsory for all new vehicles to have reversing sensors.