During the good weather, many more children are outside playing on farms and in gardens so it is important to be more careful when taking off in your car or driving your tractor.
During the summer months, there is an increase in the number of children aged between one and 14 who are brought to hospital emergency departments after being struck by a vehicle in a driveway or parking area. “We should teach our children that vehicles are not toys and children of any age should never be left alone in or around them,” said Dr Gerry Lane, consultant in emergency medicine, Letterkenny General Hospital. “Segregate your kids from your cars and spot your tot before you move your car.”
Farmers especially are reminded that the farm and farm vehicles are dangerous, even deadly, attractions to small children, and kids and tractors can be a deadly combination. According to Dr Lane you should not even consider taking your children out on a farm vehicle unless they are safely restrained in a regulation restraint.
