Don’t let summer turn tragic in your own front yard. More than 2,400 driveway accidents involving young children happen each year in the United States. Remember, young children are short, and they like to play. If they are very close to your vehicle, you won’t be able to see them. The Indiana State Police offer the following tips to help keep summer as safe as possible:
Set rules with your children. No matter what their age, designate unwavering rules without options. Teach your children to watch for the white rear lights that illuminate when a car is in reverse. Tell your children when they see a car approaching the driveway or when a car is moving in the driveway, they all have to meet up in the yard or on the porch.
Secondly listen carefully. Before entering your driveway, roll down your windows and turn your radio off so you can listen for activity. Put down your cell phone and pay attention. These diversions could cause the driver not to hear a child. Being able to hear someone yell or scream could save a child’s life.
Also count heads. Consider how many children are supposed to be in your driveway. Don’t neglect the possibility that other children may be playing in the area too.
Finally, communicate! Stop your car before you park permanently. Talk to the children to assure that they are all safely out of the way. Tell them what you are about to do and not to move until you do it. Consider these pointers the next time your children are playing outside or you’re coming home from work. For more summer travel safety tips, visit http://www.in.gov/isp/2968.htm