Driveway run over - Safekids

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Communities must own driveway run over issue
The past months have seen a rise in child driveway run over incidents, with
at least 4 children reported injured or killed. While it comes as a shock to
many, years of tracking this injury shows that it happens more often than
most think. Up to seven children are killed every year, mostly occurring
during the spring and summer months.
We are often asked who should take the lead in preventing driveway run
over deaths and injuries. Our response: It’s you and your community.
Studies from Starship Children’s Health have suggested a decrease in
injury rates in Auckland. While this is being evaluated, strong community
ownership is seen as one strategy that has worked well.
This is why we encourage more communities to take ownership of this
issue. The knowledge, strategies and tools are available (See page 12), and
all that’s needed are passionate individuals or groups who can take these
to Kohanga Reos, preschools, communities, whanau and families.
Through local action, we hope to see more lives saved from this tragic but
very preventable injury.
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Finally, in behalf of Safekids and the children of New Zealand, we would like
to thank everyone who has worked hard towards reducing unintentional
child injury rates in the country. We wish you a safe and happy holiday
season.
Safekids Director Ann Weaver (top right) together with Safe2Go
stakeholders and trainers at the June 2009 Conference in
Wellington.
Sincerely,
Ann Weaver
Director
Safekids New Zealand
New Starship
Children’s ED
Director
Safekids New Zealand would like to
congratulate Dr. Mike Shepherd on his
appointment as the new Clinical Director
for the children’s emergency department at
Starship Children’s Health. Dr. Shepherd is a
strong supporter and champion of child injury
prevention initiatives.
Kidsafe Canberra CEO
Visits Safekids
Eric Chalmers, Chief Executive of Kidsafe Australia, was in New Zealand
last month and met with Safekids and the Auckland Regional Transport
Authority. He was here to observe local child safety initiatives as part of
a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust travel grant.
The Auckland visit is the last
leg of an 8-country itinerary
which aims to identify
innovative projects and
programmes that reduce
child road traffic injury.
Safekids News is Safekids NZ’s quarterly publication.
For enquiries, contact the editor at anthonyr@adhb.govt.nz.
About Safekids New Zealand
Safekids New Zealand is the injury prevention service of Starship
Children’s Health and a member of Safe Kids Worldwide. Our mission
is to reduce the incidence and severity of unintentional injuries to New
Zealand’s children aged 0 - 14 years.
Safekids NZ Team
Ann Weaver, Director
Anthony Rola, Marketing & Communications
Ginny Clark, PA to the Director
Julie Chambers, Senior Advisor
Moses ‘Alatini, Policy Analyst
Sharlaine Chee, National Campaign Co-ordinator
Simone Randle, Injury Prevention Advisor
Wayne Carter, Information Specialist
Make a difference
Safekids New Zealand encourages the involvement of government,
community, industry, decision makers and families in child safety. If you
would like to know more about us, wish to advocate on behalf of children
in your community, or partner in a programme with us, contact us at:
Safekids New Zealand
Fifth Floor, Cornwall Complex,
40 Claude Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023
PO Box 26488, Epsom, Auckland 1344
New Zealand.
Telephone: +64-9 630 9955
Fax: +64-9-630 9961
www.safekids.org.nz
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