Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
Jack Dunphy ·
July 12, 2012 at 4:41pm
If I may be permitted something of a public service announcement, I pass along this heartbreaking story from the Los Angeles Times of a mother who backed over and killed her 22-month-old child in the driveway of their home. These sorts of incidents have always horrified me as a police officer and even more so as a father. Mrs. Dunphy and I have a adopted a rule when it comes to maneuvering in our driveway and elsewhere: If we don't know where the kids and the dogs are, we don't move the car an inch.
That poor child, that poor mother. Please, Ricochet readers, take the extra moment and be careful.
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Comments:
Oct '10
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
I taught my oldest daughter at an early age to stay in the door of the house when I needed to move the car. She's very good about that. I hear at least one of these stories every year, sometimes more.
Jun '10
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
these are always the most sickening and heart-breaking stories. I could not live with myself if that happened to me.
Jun '10
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
A similar tragedy:
I remember a few years ago, in a Minneapolis suburb, a father was given the task of dropping his toddler off at daycare--not his normal routine. Ordinarily, the wife did it. He totally forgot that the child was in the backseat. He drove to work, parked, went inside, and left the child in a closed SUV on a very hot day. A few hours later, somebody walking by the SUV noticed a child inside, and called 911. But, too late. The story described the father as he was notified, and walked out of his office to the parking lot. Once he realized what he'd done, he looked like he'd just been kicked in the stomach, so distraught that they thought he might hurt himself. It was painful to even read about.
Dec '11
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
A while back I started riding a motorcycle. We all know motorcycle, light airplanes, sky diving, etc. are risky things. These activities require concentration and following strict safety guidelines to have a long life. Compared to driving a car I knew my life could change for the worse if I was not careful. The unexpected lesson that I learn though was normal car driving is something I needed to take more thought in. Driving needs preparation and concentration make things safe. My life and those around me depend on my "due diligence".
Police Officers and Fire Fighters see the common stupidity of the human condition. Some of it must be pretty funny. I am sure they "have seen it all". I hope in the future Jack Dunphy will share some with us. I don't want to make fun of anybody but learning from the mistakes of others is preferable to making them myself. Thanks for sharing this story with us today. May God give comfort and consolation in this mother in this tragic and stupid time.
Jul '11
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
I can't think about this for too long, or I'll be sick.
-E
Dec '11
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
Anybody have any ideas on how someone puts their life back together after something like this?
How does one comfort a person like this? What can be said?
My heart fluctuates between anger and sympathy for this person. In a related thought I still find this person far more forgivable than the mother who ends a life intentionally by abortion.
Nov '10
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
I drive a Caravan. When backing out I always look left down the sidewalk, and right, before crossing. Just a week ago I did this, and both directions were completely clear. As I began to accellerate across the sidewalk, I chanced to glance in the (straight-back) rear view mirror to see the horrified face of a young woman standing directly behind me like a deer in the headlights. I hit the breaks and we both laughed it off --- though it was certainly not funny! Lesson learned?
I should get in the habit of doing a walk-around, but haven't yet ingrained that. Our neighbourhood doesn't have small children but still ...
Another lesson came the hard way a few years ago. My son, a serious musician, imported an expensive Tuba from Europe, which he kept in a "soft case". One sunday he went in early as he runs the soundboard, and called me at home saying to bring his tuba, which he needed for a gig after church. I took the thing out but forgot my van keys so I left it behind the vehicle. Came out later in a rush ... and backed over the instrument.
May '11
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
One of my earliest memories of lessons on responsibility was when I was about 6 years old after I left my bike in the driveway my dad told me that you always have to check behind the car before backing up, because you're always responsible no matter what happens. I was incredulous that anyone should be responsible if some dummy fell asleep or some kid was hiding under a car, but my dad said it didn't matter why, and that's why you always have to check. That really stuck with me for some reason and I still think of our conversation almost every time I back up my car, and I always check before I do.
Edited on July 12, 2012 at 6:55pmNov '11
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
What a horrible tragedy.
I get very nervous -- and drive very slowly and observantly -- if there are kids anywhere around the car, in a parking lot or wherever. I've gotten many appreciative glances from parents for doing so, too.
Jun '12
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
Christ have mercy.
Aug '10
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
When I was a child, my mother backed over her beloved, elderly cocker spaniel. That was bad enough, but a child? I can't imagine. As a result of my mother's mishap, I don't back up unless I can see that everyone is clear of the vehicle.
I don't think anyone ever does recover from a tragedy such as this.
Dec '10
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
Another safety tip seen today on facebook:
Jul '12
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
This happened to a teacher of mine in middle school. The thing that has always plagued me about that horrible tragedy wasn't just the loss of the child, but how on earth a person can ever rejoin the world after enduring something like that. When I think of all the minor things I have a hard time forgiving myself for, it's just unfathomable.
May '10
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
And how about SLOW DOWN. Creep out of your driveway. If you're going really slow the kid or dog may have the self-preservation chops to move themselves out of the way.
STOP at the sidewalk and look both ways, then STOP at the street and look both ways again before backing into it.
Apr '11
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
I think there are more close calls similar to these tragedies than we want to admit.
Sep '10
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
Here's a solution. Back into your driveway. That way you get a clear look at the whole area as you approach, and you're more alert (already in car-driving mode). Added benefit: you always have quick and simple departures, with good visibility.
May '10
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
This is why I always back our cars into our garage. And absolutely no one is allowed in the garage while a car is on unless they are in the car as it is pulling out.
Jul '10
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
There is a question I wish was on every driver's test: What do you do when you see a ball roll into the street? Immediately stop. There is most often a kid right behind it that you don't see coming.
Apr '11
Re: Don't Let This Happen to You or Your Child
I read similar stories once in a while. I don't have kids and never will but, nevertheless, these stories leave me queasy. We can only hope this woman can find peace... this must truly be one of the worst things that can happen to a human being.
I hate backing up - most cars are hard to see out of to the back (high trunk lids, etc) and, in parking lots, so many people walk behind cars certain that they're seen by drivers. I don't know about them but I can't see 360 degrees around all at once.