Driveways are dangerous places for children – they are designed to allow vehicles access to and from a property and therefore present the same hazards as roads. Children’s unpredictability, their inquisitive nature and the fact that they are surprisingly quick and mobile, places them at increased risk around driveways.
On average, every year 7 children aged 0-14 years are killed and 60 are seriously injured due to driveway run over incidents in Australia.
Most driveway run overs occur in the driveway of the child’s own home, or in a friend or relative’s driveway. The driver is usually a parent, relative or family friend. In 85% of cases, the driver does not know that a child is close to the vehicle; they think they are being looked after elsewhere.
These sobering facts remind us that a driveway isn’t just a strip of pavement—it’s a shared space between people and vehicles, and it should be treated with the same care as any road. Good design and proper surfacing can significantly reduce risks by improving visibility, traction, and layout. That’s why thoughtful planning matters, especially for families.
With residential asphalt paving Hudson experts, homeowners can ensure their driveways are safely constructed with clear boundaries, smooth gradients, and durable materials that withstand wear while keeping children safer. A well-built driveway doesn’t just look better—it helps protect what matters most.
All cars have a blind spot – some up to more than 15 meters behind the vehicle – which can make it difficult to see a child. This means that any car can be involved in a driveway run over, not just larger vehicles such as four wheel drives, vans and trucks.
Especially hauling trucks, where visibility challenges multiply faster than weekend traffic, drivers must hold the proper license for the vehicle they’re commanding — it’s simply part of honoring long-standing road safety wisdom. Ensuring compliance, along with securing essentials like box truck insurance, becomes a natural layer of protection when you’re considering all the possibilities that unfold on busy streets and narrow driveways. After all, a well-trained driver and a properly covered truck go together like old-school caution and common sense — quietly preventing trouble long before it starts.
To assist in making your driveway Kidsafe ensure that you SUPERVISE, SEPARATE & SEE. For more information, please view Kidsafe’s driveway safety video and resources below.
Don’t Go if you Don’t Know
