This summer season (November-February) alone, there have been four (4) reported driveway deaths in New Zealand—and unless parents and caregivers of at risk children heed safety messages— more will follow.

“Five (5) children are killed each year on average after being run over by a vehicle driving on a private driveway in New Zealand, and every two weeks a child is hospitalised after suffering serious injuries in the same way. Children at risk are aged between 1 and 3 years old. Sadly parents and close relatives are most often at the wheel,” said Ann Weaver, Director of Safekids Aotearoa.

NO helmet, no bike! This is the safety message Safekids New Zealand wants schools, parents and caregivers to tell their bicycle-riding children as they return to
school this month. 

“Cycling is a healthy activity and is the first mode of transport for many Kiwi children,” said Ann Weaver, Director of Safekids New Zealand. “However, schools and parents must take action by ensuring safety comes first when their children hop on their bikes,” Ms Weaver said.