RED ALERT ON TRAIN PRAM SAFETY
Media Release
14 October 2009
Kidsafe and Melbourne rail operator Connex have issued a RED ALERT over an alarming number of
potentially serious incidents involving children and babies in prams travelling on trains.
Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe Victoria said 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 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 are highlighting the dangers to parents to make people more vigilant when travelling by
train.
“In recent weeks we have seen several cases where injury to an infant was narrowly avoided. There is no
clear reason as to why we have this sudden surge in incidents but it is certainly of concern,” said Connex
Group General Manager Customer services, Geoff Young.
“There is nothing more heart wrenching than seeing a child injured and in all the cases we have seen it was
preventable by taking some simple steps.”
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 will launch 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
John Rees, Connex Senior Communications Manager: 0418 504 951
Ron Smith Media Communications Kidsafe 0417 329 201
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