Driveway Safety
Small children are at risk from moving vehicles in low speed 'off road' locations such as driveways, yards and car parks. While driveway fencing and improvements to vehicle design may be helpful, supervision of children is critical whenever a vehicle is to be moved - hold their hands or hold them close to keep them safe.
Tragically one child, often a toddler, is run over in the driveway of their home every week in Australia.
Studies have tested the rear vision of a number of popular cars and results show that there is a large “blind zone” behind most cars.
What can you do to keep your child safer?
- Always supervise any children whenever a vehicle is to be moved - hold their hands or hold them close to keep them safe.
- If you’re the only adult around and need to move a vehicle, even just a small distance, put children securely in the vehicle with you while you move it.
- Encourage children to play in safer areas away from the driveway and cars - the driveway is like a small road and should not be used as a play area.
- Limit a child’s access to the driveway – for example use security doors, fencing or gates
Kidsafe have produced a Driveway Poster Don’t go if you don’t know.
If you would like a copy please contact the
Driveway Safety - They're Counting on You (short video)
An educational video developed by Transport for NSW in partnership with the Georgina Josephine Foundation and television personality Scott Cam to raise awareness about keeping kids safe around driveways.
Driveway Safety - Are your kids at risk?
The Department of Infrastructure and Transport has released this brochure on keeping kids safe in the driveway.
Supervise + Separate + See (Short Video)
Kidsafe SA team up with Fitzy to explain the 3 important steps to keep children safe around the driveway - Supervise + Separate + See
Report: Child pedestrian safety: ‘driveway deaths’ and ‘low-speed vehicle run-overs’, Australia, 2001–10
The BITRE report Child pedestrian safety: "driveway deaths" and 'low-speed vehicle runovers', Australia 2001-10, was released by the Hon Catherine King MP at the National Road Safety Forum on 24 August 2012. The report is available from the BITRE website.
Georgina Josephine Foundation
The Georgina Josephine Foundation provides a support network for families affected by low-speed vehicle runover accidents, and works to prevent and reduce unintentional injury or death of children and adults in such accidents through awareness and practical measures.