Cars have blind spots and they can be lethal, particularly when kids are around. Some cars have blind spots that stretch over 15 metres behind the car that can easily hide a toddler. Research has shown that it’s not just 4 Wheel Drives that have this problem but also many sedans and hatches.
Kids move fast. One minute they're playing in the front yard, the next they could be right behind the car. Kids under 5 are most vulnerable as they can be hard to see from inside a car especially if they are immediately behind it.
Technology can help. Rear parking sensors and rear-mounted cameras show what's behind your car. More new cars are being fitted with rear-facing cameras for example, popular Australian built large cars like Ford Falcon and Toyota Camry/Aurion have it as either standard or optional on selected models.
If your car does not have a rear facing camera, you don’t have to go shopping for a new car right away. You can get aftermarket rear view cameras fitted in your existing car for around a few hundred dollars. There are many aftermarket devices that may be able to be linked to your car’s existing display screen. There are also many specialist installers but systems are now available in popular auto accessory stores that can be fitted by a handyman or your local auto electrician.
Regardless how your car is kitted out, The Buzz Car Insurance has some tips to keep children safe around parked and reversing cars.
• Walk around/behind a car before driving away. Clear the driveway of any toys and sports equipment off drives so kids have less reason to run behind the car
• Know where your kids are. Ideally the kids should be properly supervised by another adult when you're moving your car.
• Teach children that “parked” cars can move. Let them know that the driver may not be able to see them if they play behind the cars. Teach them never to play near a car or in the driveway even when empty.
• Be careful about keeping children safe in and around in busy parking lots, school drop off areas and during busy holiday periods.
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