Kidsafe Red Alert On Pram Accidents On Trains

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14th October 2009, 07:30am - Views: 787





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                                     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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