According to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, a driveway is one of the most dangerous spots in the neighborhood. Thousands of children nationwide are injured or killed by driveway accidents, especially during hectic times and other family gatherings.
“Driveway accidents happen [nationally] about 2,000 times per year. And children die as a result of those accidents more than 100 times per year,” Santa Barbara Capt. David Sedecki said. “It doesn’t happen often here in this county, but it does happen. It’s one of the worst kinds of calls I’ve been to.”
To help prevent tragedies, the department is offering some advice to locals:
• Teach children to never play in or around vehicles.
• Consider installing a rearview camera or sensor, but not as a replacement for the 360-degree walk-around.
• Remember: Kids and pets often run toward vehicles to say goodbye. Say your goodbyes and hellos inside the house. Be sure children are in the house with the door locked when you leave and not in the driveway.
• Watch out for delivery and service trucks.
• Be especially vigilant during hectic times, schedule changes, family gatherings, and holidays.
This article appears in Jan 6-13, 2011.