Paediatric driveway run-over injuries: time to redesign?

AIMS To investigate the demographic, accident, and environmental characteristics associated with driveway run-over injuries in order to identify potentially modifiable factors and prevention strategies METHODS Retrospective review of all children less than 15 years old who were hospitalised or killed due to a driveway run-over injury in the Auckland region of New Zealand over the 50-month period, November 2001 to December 2005. Data was collected on the demographics, accident and environmental characteristics, and parental awareness. Data was obtained from clinical records and telephone interviews with parents. RESULTS A total of 93 cases were identified, including 9 fatalities. The median age was 2 years with 73% under 5 years old. Children of Pacific Island and Maori ethnicity comprised 43% and 25% of cases respectively. Injuries occurred predominately on the child's home driveway (80% of cases). In 64% the driveway was the usual play area for the child. Only 13% of driveways were fenced. 51% were long driveways extending through the section, and 51% were shared with other properties. 51% of properties were rented and of these 57% were government houses. CONCLUSION The absence of physical separation between driveways and children's play and living areas may predispose to driveway injuries. Further research is needed to investigate the ideal way to implement such separation in current properties and future property developments.