Road safety doesn’t begin on the roads – it starts on driveways.
That’s the message from Melton council’s road safety officer, Jan Webb.
She is urging parents to keep their eyes peeled and to exercise “driveway safety”, particularly at the beginning and end of the school day.
Most driveway accidents occur from 8-10am and 4-6pm.
“We put a lot of focus on kids and passengers when they’re in the car and on the roads, but we don’t think about cars in and around the home,” Ms Webb said.
“My recommendation to parents would be to be aware of where their children are in relation to the car.”
Ms Webb said supervising young kids, especially those under the age of eight, was a must.
“Children should not be allowed to play in front yards where there is shared space between cars and the yard,” Ms Webb said.
Last week, Kidsafe launched its 2015 Return To School Safe: Driveway Safety campaign.
The campaign focuses on three messages: supervise, separate and see.
“Never leave young children alone to play, especially near parked or moving vehicles,” the campaign urges drivers.
“Separate children’s play spaces from garages and driveways. Drivers should get into the habit of walking around their vehicle before getting into it when leaving an area where a young child is present.”
On average, seven children die each year in Australia after being run over in driveways.
State Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos urged everyone to heed the campaign message.
“Letting your guard down in the driveway can be fatal,” Ms Mikakos said.
“Just being aware of the dangers is the first step towards protecting young children, which is why this Kidsafe campaign is so important.”
