According to Safe Kids USA, back-over incidents in driveways and parking lots kill at least one child a week and injure more than 2,400 kids every year. Safe Kids USA sponsors the nationwide “Spot the Tot” prevention program, which found that half of kids injured or killed by driveway back-overs are between ages one and four.
Kids and Cars, a national organization that tracks child safety issues, reports that 60 percent of vehicle back-over victims are hit by one of their parents or a close relative.
Here’s some safety reminders about cars and young children:
Drivers should walk completely around their vehicle before getting in.
Teach children, starting at a very young age, never to play in the driveway or around cars, SUVs, vans and trucks.
Remind drivers to be on the look-out for children and pets in the driveway.
Roll down windows so you can hear what is happening outside your vehicle.
Consumer Reports says camera systems and back-up warning sensors may be used to prevent back-over incidents, but sensors may not always be sensitive enough to detect the presence of a child around the vehicle.
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