Dangerous Driveways

Motor vehicle collisions kill more children in the United States than any illness. The August 2001 issue of Pediatrics reports that injuries that occur in and around driveways are a common, overlooked problem. There are 3 types of problems: children struck by motor vehicles, children falling from motor vehicles, and children setting motor vehicles in motion. The most common and most dangerous scenario involves a 3 or 4 year old being struck by someone backing up in a slow-moving SUV or truck. (SUV’s and trucks account for 2/3 of these tragedies.) Be alert to the perils of the driveway. Keep vehicle doors, windows, and trunk locked. Don’t let kids play unattended in driveways. And extended mirrors are an small investment that can reap a huge reward if you have a truck or SUV at home.