Finding into death of Pio
Deceased
PIO
Demographics
1y, unknown
Date of death
2011-02-18
Finding date
2013-02-22
Cause of death
Head and neck injuries and motor vehicle incident (pedestrian)
AI-generated summary
A 17-month-old child died from head and neck injuries sustained in a driveway motor vehicle incident. The child was struck by a vehicle operated by a tenant on the family property while playing in the front yard. The driver did not see the child before or during the incident. This case was part of a series of three infant driveway deaths that prompted coronial investigation and led to public safety initiatives. The coroner emphasised that most such deaths occur in home driveways, involve vehicles driven by family members or friends, and affect children under six years old. Key preventive measures identified include constant supervision of young children in driveways and ensuring drivers know the location of children before operating vehicles.
AI-generated summary and tagging — may contain inaccuracies; refer to original finding for legal purposes.
Drugs involved
Contributing factors
- Child not visible to driver
- Inadequate supervision in driveway
- Driver unaware of child's proximity to vehicle
- High-visibility vehicle (four-wheel drive) with limited sightlines
Coroner's recommendations
- Driveway safety awareness campaign launched featuring radio advertisements and posters with message 'Just because you can't see me doesn't mean I'm not here'
- Campaign incorporated into VicRoads safety strategy focusing on early childhood settings
- Key recommendation for parents and carers of children under six: 'Always make sure you know where your children are before you reverse out of a driveway'
- Formation of cross-agency committee to examine ways to reduce driveway death incidents in Victoria
- Commonwealth Government identified driveway safety as priority road safety issue with commitment to shared national approach
Full text
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