SPECIAL REPORT
Australia
- With child pedestrian fatalities in driveways , indirect and ambiguous supervision of the youngest ages was a significant factor , with the presence of multiple carers often contributing to diminished supervisory attention . Emeritus Professor Ann Williamson , of the UNSW ’ s Transport and Road Safety Research Centre says that findings highlight worrying patterns to fatalities and reveal the need for immediate action to address identified safety issues .
“ We need an urgent review into strategies to reduce child pedestrian fatalities ,” she said .
“ Improvements are needed in road designs , including signage , markings and lighting ; designs of vehicles should be amended to improve all around visibility , not just when reversing , especially in larger vehicles such as SUV ’ s , which were predominantly involved in carpark and driveway fatalities ; Driver awareness campaigns can play a key role in keeping child pedestrians safe .
“ Education for parents and carers is needed about the importance of active attention and direct supervision , and the fact that driveway fatalities involving child pedestrians remain persistently high , with no evidence of a reduction in over the study period , is justification for quick measures .”
With the Christmas holidays approaching and more vehicles expected on our roads as families travel over the summer break , increasing the risk of incidents , Michelle is also sounding the
alarm for immediate action . “ Our aim is to prevent other children falling victim to the same tragic fate as our beautiful boy Tom . We don ’ t want other families to go through what we did ,” said Michelle .
“ The results of our report suggest that if direct supervision , especially involving physical contact , is maintained , child pedestrian fatalities can be avoided . So please , hold children ’ s hands around roadways and driveways . Older children should also be encouraged to reduce distractions , pay attention to their surroundings and , where possible , cross at pedestrian crossings or traffic lights .”
Read the full report here https :// www . dropbox . com / scl / fi / xyr3helen45hkvd3yb5rm / Report- Analysis-of-the-causes-of-fatal-child- pedestrian-crashes-for-children-aged- 0-to-14-years-from-2001-to-2019
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 164 // JANUARY 2024 29