Kids playing in the yard may be easily distracted and not notice an oncoming car. Busy drivers may also be focused elsewhere and not notice a child in danger.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers these safety tips to avoid a "backover" accident:
- Children must be taught not to play inside or around cars. Parents should always keep an eye on kids when cars are nearby.
- Before you enter your car and back up, walk around the vehicle to make sure no children are close by. While actually backing up, always watch carefully behind you and in side view mirrors.
- Make sure children know that when an adult gets into a nearby car, they should move out of the way, to a place where the driver can see them.
- Be particularly cautious if you drive a large vehicle. Roll down the windows and stick your head out to look to the side and behind you as you back up.
- Keep kids' toys, bicycles and equipment away from the driveway.
- Do not to completely depend on a backup camera or alert system to keep you from backing over something.
Health Tip: Stay Safe Biking With Baby
Though a family bike ride with baby in tow can be a fun way to get exercise, it can also be dangerous.
The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these safety suggestions when biking with baby:
- Only allow young children to ride with an adult. Babies 12 months and younger shouldn't ride on a bike at all, even in a seat or carrier.
- Children older than 1 year should ride in a rear-mounted seat or trailer for children, and always while wearing a helmet.
- Make sure that a rear-mounted child seat is properly and safely attached, and the child is properly strapped in.
- Stick to low-traffic streets, parks or bike paths.
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