FOR MORE INFORMATION
safekids.org: In and Around Cars Safety
preventinjury.medicine.iu.edu: In and Around Cars
In & Around Cars
Many accidents with children around cars happen due to "backovers" or "frontovers." Many of these incidents occur in driveways or parking lots. These accidents are preventable by using the following tips.
Accidents known as backovers and frontovers happen when a vehicle slowly strikes a person or animal, most frequently a young child, in a blind spot where the driver cannot see them.
Backovers happen when a vehicle is backing up. New cars in the U.S. must have backup cameras, but there are still big blind spots behind trucks and SUVs.
Frontovers happen when a vehicle moves forward from a parked spot. Big SUVs and pickup trucks have large blind spots in the front that can block the view of children who are standing 15 to 20 feet away.
Before getting in the car, walk all the way around it to make sure there are no children playing nearby or hiding underneath the vehicle. Look to make sure there isn't anything around the vehicle that may attract a child, like a toy or animal.
Designate a safe spot for children to wait where drivers can see them while moving.
Consider limiting playtime in your driveway or making it a toy-free area entirely. If children are playing in the driveway, block it with traffic cones or trash bins so cars cannot pull in. After outdoor playtime, make sure any toys and games have been cleaned up.
Always accompany children when they are around vehicles, especially when they get in and out of the car. Hold their hand, carry them, or put them in a stroller when near moving vehicles, such as in a parking lot, in driveways, or on the sidewalk.
It is important to prevent children from being trapped in a car that is not in use. Always lock all of the vehicle's doors and trunk, even when parked in your driveway or garage. Keep car keys out of sight and reach of children.
Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash vehicle related deaths in children under 15 years old. To learn more about the how to prevent hot car injury or death, click the link below.
Ensure your child is in the proper car seat for their height, weight, and age. Use the car seat correctly each time you travel to help prevent injury. Click the link below for more detailed information about choosing the right car seat for your child.
Buckle up! All passengers, no matter their age, should use the proper restraint, whether it is a child's car seat or the seat belt of the vehicle.
Before you begin driving, always double check that all passengers are properly buckled in.
Seat belts are designed to work together with air bags in an accident. Never put the seat belt under your arm or behind your back.
The shoulder belt should sit across the middle of your chest, not against your neck. The lap belt should sit across your hips, not your stomach. These areas of your body are stronger and better able to handle the force from a crash.
Do you have questions about safey in and around cars?
Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk with our staff live Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM about your safety questions.