RED ALERT AFTER PRAM HIT BY TRAIN
Media Release
15 October 2009
Kidsafe has re issued its RED ALERT over an
alarming number of potentially serious incidents
involving children and babies in prams travelling on trains following a pram rolling off the platform
at the Ashburton Railway Station at 4.00 pm today.
Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria said it was ironic that within twenty four hours off launching a
safety campaign such an accident could occur. Several recent incidents included:
unrestrained babies spilling from prams falling between the train and platform
runaway prams in high winds after being left with their brakes off
pram front swivel wheels getting caught in the gap between train and platform
children becoming separated from parents at stations
Dr Stokes said train platforms should be treated as swimming pools with children and prams needing to be
held and supervised every second especially when trains are approaching platforms.
Kidsafe is focussing on three wheel prams where the swivelling front wheel can easily become caught in the
gap between the train and the platform trapping the pram.
“We
are also concerned about parents who leave their babies and toddlers unrestrained in prams whilst
travelling on trains and whilst getting on and off the train leaving the child vulnerable to serious injuries if
they tip from the pram.”
Kidsafe and Connex yesterday are highlighted the dangers to parents to make people more vigilant when
travelling by train.
Kidsafe says the key safety steps to take include:
Ensure babies and toddlers in prams are properly restrained
Ensuring brakes are properly applied on prams
Exit trains back wheels first
Enter trains front wheels up
Ensure mobile front wheel is locked and fixed with three wheeled prams
Keep a hand on your pram at all times
Keep children close by as you get on and off trains
Kidsafe and Connex have launched a multi-media campaign via the internet and at stations to highlight the
issue. Rail safety is to become a part of the safety talk Kidsafe staff provide at maternal and child health
centres.
Media Enquiries:
Dr Mark Stokes, President Kidsafe Victoria 0408 038 267
Ron Smith Media Communications Kidsafe 0417 329 201
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