Toddler killed as father drives van down driveway

Ambulance staff arrived at the scene to find the girl was already dead. File photo / Hawkes Bay Today

A toddler is dead after a vehicle driven by her father hit her on a lifestyle block in the Waikato yesterday.

The Herald understands the girl was a 2-year-old and was in the driveway of the family home on Te Pahu Rd, Whatawhata, when hit.

Police have released the girl's name this morning. She was Isabella Thompson.

An upset neighbour said the father was heading off to a job. "The father is a builder. He had just finished loading up the van."

The accident happened about 1.30pm.

Ambulance staff called to the scene found the girl already dead.

The neighbour, who lives behind the family, said the girl was the middle of three children.

Accident Compensation Corporation figures show 37 children died in and around homes last year and more than 132,000 under-15s were seriously injured.

Driveway accidents were among the most common causes of injury.

The Safekids child-safety group said that an average of four toddlers are killed on driveways each year and more than 30 are seriously injured.

Director Ann Weaver said it was hard to comment on the tragedy in Whatawhata and did not want to place blame on the parents.

But she said parents had to remember just how fast children could move.

"Where you think they are one minute, they've moved the next."

Ms Weaver said parents should physically check the driveway before getting in the car as small children were often missed in rear-view mirrors. If possible, she said, make sure the child is with another adult.

Ms Weaver said that in NZ, driveways often ran past the home so it was important to separate play areas.
The Automobile Association says making cars safer around children can cost as little as $100 for a safety mirror for backing.

- NZ HERALD STAFF