Peter and Emma Cockburn of Young say they fully support a new proposal that looks at installing speed bumps and pool fences on suburban driveways being considered by the Federal Government.
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But they say each home needs to be looked at individually when it comes to these measures because some may be more practical than others.
It has been just over two years since the couple lost their 15-month-old daughter Georgina when she was accidentally run over in the garage of their home.
They have since set up a foundation, the Georgina Josephine Foundation, to raise awareness of the safety issues, attending building trade fairs and advocating for changes to be made in the home and on vehicles.
“Georgina’s accident prompted us to research low speed vehicle run-over accidents. It was astonishing to find this is a common occurrence,” Emma said.
Driveway speed limits
The proposal currently under consideration by the Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport, also looks at driveway speed limits, limiting the slope, width and length of driveways and the possible removal of plants and landscaping that may block a driver’s view, especially when reversing.
It also suggests providing a separate pathway for pedestrians to access the house.
The idea to fence driveways has been based on the success of fences around backyard swimming pools, with experts arguing they have dramatically reduced toddler drownings.
It also recommends banning garage access doors in recreational or living rooms where children spend large amounts of time and suggests outdoor play areas should be separated from the vehicle area.
These plans have the potential to radically change the physical design and character of thousands of residential properties across Australia.
Submission
Emma said, as a foundation, they had put a submission in for the discussion paper which was open for public comment until yesterday.
“Our main focus is changing the height of door handles, the possibility of fencing a driveway, if it’s practical, and vehicle areas visible from the house,” she said.
While the Cockburns haven’t had a role in this new proposal, Emma said some of the information had “indirectly” come from them through their regular dealings with Ruth Barker of the Queensland Injury Prevention Council.
Ms Barker has been instrumental in gathering information for the speed bump and pool fencing proposal for the Federal Government.
But the department says the guidelines will be voluntary if it is adopted.
Emma agreed it would be hard if it wasn’t voluntary.
“It’s obviously going to be hard for some - look at our driveway, we have a driveway that’s 120 odd metres long - that’s going to be hard to fence,” she said.
Mandatory measures
“There are a lot of cases that need to be looked at individually but simple measures such as changing doors that have access from the living room to the garage and having reverse cameras should be mandatory.”
“A voluntary guide is a good start,” she said.
While some may argue that Australia is slowly becoming a “nanny state” and installing speed bumps and fencing driveways are drastic measures, Emma says that’s why each home needs to be looked at what’s practical and suitable for each family.
“I agree with not being a “nanny state”, things like speed bumps could be for long driveways,” she said.
“It all boils down to three things – it’s all a combination of awareness and education, changing the physical environment and changing vehicles.”
Adding to the proposal, Australia is also leading international research into the effectiveness of vehicle reversing cameras.
Monash University’s Accident Research Centre is conducting a study for the Federal Government on the role of reversing cameras in preventing pedestrian deaths including driveway casualties.
