Driveway Safety
We all tend to repeat the same behavior.
And for most of us we tend to repeat our daily routine because it is second nature---even comfortable.
However, what if those routines are ones we should be paying more attention to?
For example, when you leave your house each morning---do you look behind your shoulder even before reaching the end of the driveway? Or do you normally assume nothing is there---no one is there?
(THINK)
Well, unfortunately over 9,000 children are sent to emergency rooms because of an incident involving a vehicle backing into a child. According to safekids.org, these injuries and fatalities can be prevented if parents pay more attention to their children or if drivers double check before reversing out of the driveway.
Additionally, according to kidsandcars.org, at least fifty (50) children are being backed-over by vehicles every single week! Of these accidents, forty-eight (48) children were treated in the emergency room and two (2) were killed. Those children either injured or killed tend to be between the ages 12 months to 23 months. The study has also shown that 70% of these incidents are due to a parent or close relative being behind the wheel.
So, how do we stop the repetition of not looking? Or not double checking?
- Before even getting in the car, put up your garage door and walk around the vehicle.
- Designate a safe spot for your children. If they are too young, never leave them unattended in the garage or driveway.
- Always accompany a child when getting in and out of a vehicle.
Our daily routines may be comfortable, but don’t ever let them be unsafe. Try to start a new behavior by always double checking what is near and around your vehicle before moving. Life is far too fragile to not take a second look.
For more information on this article, contact Kaine Law.