The most effective ways to avoid a driveway disaster

Every year, thousands of children are killed or seriously injured because a driver backing up didn’t see them.

New vehicle technologies are designed to reduce these types of accidents. But no matter how many safety features cars are equipped with, there still is no substitute for following some basic safety rules, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here are some of the most effective ways to avoid a disaster in your driveway:

1. Always assume children could be in the area and carefully check the street, driveway, and area around your vehicle before backing out. Before you get in your vehicle, take a few seconds to walk all the way around it to check for children.

2. Teach children not to play in, under, or around vehicles. Ever. Consider allowing children in your driveway only when no vehicles are there or even making your driveway a toy-free zone. If children are playing in your driveway, make sure they are supervised by an adult and there is a physical barrier to prevent any cars from entering.

3. If you’re driving an SUV or truck, the blind spot behind your vehicle can be quite large. Use extreme car when backing up a large vehicle.

4. Back up slowly, with your windows rolled down, to listen for children who may run behind your vehicle. Don’t rely only on vehicle technology such as backup cameras or warning devices.

5. If you’re the only adult home and have to move your vehicle, it’s safer to have your children in your vehicle with you than outside it.