While slips, falls, and other accidents at home are more likely to happen on staircases or wet bathroom surfaces, your driveway can also pose a danger. Long stretches of pavement make the perfect place for games of roller hockey, basketball, or other outdoor sports, but the presence of motor vehicles near children requires you to take precautions. If you’re concerned about injuries occurring in your driveway, there are a few simple steps you can take to secure your property.
Secure Access
If you live on a heavily used thoroughfare or your driveway borders a school, playground, or other public facility, consider putting a fence along your property. This will save you the trouble of having to worry about neighborhood traffic and instead focus on protecting your own family. Your garage door gives the most immediate access to the driveway and therefore should be your next starting point. Have a reputable garage door company like R & S Garage Door Inc install a door that is easy to control and lock, as this will enable you to secure access to your driveway with minimal hassle. You should also get a door with a sensor that will prevent it from coming down onto and injuring someone moving under it.
Know Your Vehicle
Your truck or conversion van offers plenty of advantages thanks to its large size, but this means certain sacrifices as well. Driveway accidents, unfortunately, are most common with child victims and large vehicles are statistically the most common automobiles involved. If your truck or van grants limited visibility, check your vehicle before pulling out. Remove any toys or objects from the area that might entice a young child to enter the driveway, and consider installing extended mirrors for a better view.
Cracks and Fissures
Like any outdoor feature, your driveway will eventually succumb to the elements and show signs of wear. Cracks, fissures, and other damage to the driveway will create uneven surface hazards that lead to falls and other injuries. If cracks are starting to appear, have them filled immediately. Once the driveway is restored, apply a sealant to decrease the likelihood of cracking in the future. Alternatively, you might want to consider consulting an outdoor resurfacing company to ensure a durable and long-lasting solution. This can be particularly beneficial for extensive repairs or replacements that you may not be equipped to handle on your own.
Slip and Fall Prevention
It’s common for oil and other fluids to pool along the pavement, creating a slippery hazard. Even water can pose a danger if allowed to remain at low temperatures. If your driveway tends to freeze over during winter, keep adequate salt on hand to quickly make a safe path from your home to your vehicle. If you’re in the process of replacing your driveway and want to go the extra mile, consider installing in-ground heat mats beneath the pavement. For oil and other slippery chemical spills, always spot-clean with a detergent, degreaser, or another cleansing agent to ensure no dangerous residue is left behind.
Common Sense
Preventing injuries in your driveway ultimately boils down to using common sense. Most accidents involve children, so securing access to your driveway and using caution when parking or pulling out should be your priority. From there, conduct regular maintenance and cleaning of your driveway’s surface to prevent common slip and fall injuries.
