Five seconds is all it can take to save the life of a child. Follow these tips to help make sure that children remain safe around cars:
- Before getting in the car and starting the engine – walk all the way around the parked vehicle to make sure children are not under or behind it. When possible, engage older kids as helpers to accomplish this.
- Ensure that young children are always accompanied by an adult when getting in and out of a vehicle.
- Identify a safe play area for children to use far away from parked or moving vehicles.
- Identify a safe spot for children to go when nearby vehicles are about to move.
- When walking near moving vehicles, in driveways, in parking lots, or on sidewalks – make sure to firmly hold the hand of each child that is with you.
- Avoid using driveways as play areas if moving cars have access entering or exiting these areas.
- Pay close attention to cameras or sensors available in many vehicles when backing.
No matter how important it is at that moment for you to get to your destination on time. Taking a five-second walk around your car to make sure that children are not in harm’s way could save your family and your child from a lifetime of physical and emotional pain.
To learn more about keeping your children safe in and around cars, visit Safe Kids.
Siobhan Davis is a WakeMed injury prevention representative and coordinator for Safe Kids Wake County. Safe Kids Wake County works to prevent unintentional childhood injury, the leading cause of death and disability to children ages 1 to 14. Safe Kids Wake County is a member of Safe Kids Worldwide, a global network of organizations dedicated to preventing unintentional injury. Safe Kids Wake County was founded in 1996 and is led by WakeMed Health & Hospitals.
Another thing I found that helps with driveway and parking lot safety is to always roll down your windows when backing up. You may be able to hear what you cannot see. It enables us to use another one of our senses to be aware of our surroundings; from cars approaching during a blind back up out of a parking spot between two tall vehicles or to hear children playing behind a car.