Media
Release
14 October 2009
Kidsafe Red Alert
on Pram Dangers on
Trains
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
being interviewed at Flinders Street Station this
morning.
Dr Mark Stokes, President of Kidsafe
Victoria said in recent weeks there had been several
incidents including:
* 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.
John Rees, Connex Senior
Communications Manager
showing how the front swivel wheel of a pram can
get caught
between the train and the
platform
.
"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
Mobile: 0408 038 267
John Rees, Connex Senior
Communications Manager Mobile: 0418 504
951
Ron Smith Corporate Media Communications
Kidsafe Victoria Mobile: 0417 329
201
