Dangers that lie behind the wheel

Before driving, read these tips to avoid pedestrian injuries and death

It takes only a couple of seconds for a child to dart in front of or behind a vehicle. And in many instances, those seconds are a matter of life or death.

Being struck by a vehicle is a leading cause of death and injury in children, according to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. The age group at highest risk is ages 5 to 9. Oftentimes, the tragedy occurs as someone is pulling in or backing out of their driveway at home.

"The most common injury we see from children walking in the neighborhood is a vehicle collision with a human," said Claudia Romo, program manager for Injury Prevention at Children's. "These injuries can range from scrapes and bruises to multiple fractures, head and brain injuries."

In a mid-size passenger vehicle, the average blind spot goes about 10 feet back. In an SUV, it extends to more than 14 feet. And, in a pick-up truck, the blind spot doubles to more than 30 feet.

Some larger vehicles now have a sensory option — a beeping device on the back bumpers that alerts drivers when an obstacle is in the way. Additional rearview mirrors also can enhance the driver's view.

Be aware of your surroundings and educate your children about car safety to protect your child from being injured.

Driveway and street safety:

• Inform your children how to look and listen before crossing a street or driveway.
• Know where your children are before pulling in or backing out of a driveway.
• Walk around your vehicle before leaving an area where children may have been playing.
• Start your car and sit idly for at least a couple of seconds before backing out slowly.
• Notify children before pulling in or backing out of a driveway.
• Make access to the driveway from the house difficult for young children, possibly by using security doors, fencing or gates.
• Don't let your unsupervised children use the driveway as a play area. Instead, create safe play areas for your children.
• If you are the only adult at home and need to move a vehicle, even only a small distance, place your child securely in the vehicle with you while you move it.
• Don't just tell your child how to stay safe as a pedestrian. Instead, dedicate a couple of hours to walking around the neighborhood with the child while demonstrating your safety instructions in person.

Resources:

Pedestrian Safety
Safe Kids Worldwide
Kids Safety Klub

Tags: driving, safety, pedestrian, vehicle, injury, driveway, bicycle, information