26 Feb 2025
Playing it safe
Our fast-paced lives often have us in a hurry. As our children start to play more independently outside, ensuring their safety around the driveway is crucial.
Whether it’s your family, friends, or neighbour’s driveway, they can all pose a risk. Incidents around this area of the home often happen because drivers are, simply, unaware that children are close to their vehicles.
Here’s our guide to keeping kids safe around driveways.
Check Your Car and Surroundings
Before getting in your vehicle, do a 360-degree scan around your vehicle. Check for kids, toys, bikes, or even pets that could be in harm’s way. Making this a habit will help keep your driveway a safe space.
Create a No-Play Zone
Designating the driveway a no-play zone will encourage your kids to stick to safer spaces. Remind them of the dangers that come with playing around, behind, or in front of vehicles, and to always tidy up toys and bikes after playtime.
Supervise and Stay Engaged
Kids are curious – we get that. Nonetheless, supervision is key to keeping them safe. Be sure to hold their hand when near cars and take these opportunities to emphasise the need to stay safe. Explain why it’s important to stop, wait, and follow an adult’s instructions at all times.
Drive Cautiously
Slow and steady will always win the safety race. Wherever possible, drive forwards out of your driveway and keep an eye on blind spots. From wing-mirrors to reversing cameras, cars have a range of safety technology features at your disposal to ensure the safest exit from your driveway.
So remember, be proactive and you create a safer environment for your family. Let’s keep our little one’s safe and out of harm’s way, at all times!
Road Safety Week
Mark your calendars! NZ Road Safety Week is coming to a road near you. From 12-18 May, the road safety charity Brake, will be calling on everyone to be a road safety hero.
From bright outfit days, to bake sales, and even charity cycle events, there’s plenty of ways your community can get involved to raise awareness and make our streets safer for all Kiwis.