Tips on Driveway Safety

 Posted on August 09, 2017 in Uncategorized

It seems as though every year we hear about unfortunate circumstances involving children and cars on driveways. Whether it involves a child running behind an SUV as they chase a ball or possibly a toddler who finds him or herself locked inside a car, these accidents can happen to anybody and it is important to make sure that you take all of these precautions seriously.

In the U.S., about 2,600 children are victims of backover accidents per year. That equates to 50 children per week or one tragedy in each state. Backing out of the driveway may seem like a routine activity, but it can lead to disaster if proper safety precautions are not taken. Read these tips on how to keep yourself and those near your vehicle safe:

The first step to take is to make sure that no children are nearby when you enter your vehicle. While you may believe that you can see in every direction from your driver's seat, it is important to double check. Blind spots have their name for a reason and examining your surroundings before you sit down in your car will ensure that you and those around you are safe when you back your car out of the driveway.

In addition to that, it is also important to be open with your neighbors. If children play near your house and you are concerned about reversing your car while they are nearby, speak with their parents. Let them know that you are concerned with the situation and would like assistance. It only takes a few moments to call for help and the peace of mind it provides is priceless.

With that in mind, we highly encourage you to practice using your driveway. Make sure that the area is clear and then familiarize yourself with the sights you can see as you are backing out. Try to find landmarks that you can use in order to aim your vehicle and drive as consistently as possible. You can also learn to anticipate problem areas that represent a greater level of risk and focus on eliminating any issues before they arise.

If you find yourself in need of assistance while making your garage and driveway as safe as they can be, please contact our garage experts at Blue Sky Builders, Inc. today by calling 630-852-8485.

Source: http://www.keepyourchildsafe.org/child-safety-book/child-driveway-accidents.html