Fathers are nearly three times more likely to run over and kill their child than mothers, according to a review.
The Child and Youth Mortality Review Committee has released a report examining deaths from low-speed run-overs, which typically happen in the driveway of a home.
Looking at deaths and injuries between 2002 and 2008 involving children under the age of six, it found that, on average, five children die in such incidents each year and that for every death 12 are hospitalised.
Committee chairperson Nick Baker says nearly 36% of incidents have a father at the wheel, while just over 12% involve mothers. About 20% of the drivers are family friends or visitors.
Suggested ways to reduce the number of incidents include checking for the whereabouts of children before driving off and keeping them away from driveways. Driveways should also be fenced off from play areas.
Other recommendations include that ACC be responsible for the systematic collection of data on these accidents - something not currently done.
The report also calls for driveway safety to be included in driver licensing training and testing.
Dr Baker says they are working with Housing New Zealand on how it can improve safety on its properties.
