Dr Gary Payinda's Substack

Dr Gary Payinda's Substack

Share this post

Dr Gary Payinda's Substack
Dr Gary Payinda's Substack
Another child driveway death. Most are preventable for less than the cost of a WOF.

Another child driveway death. Most are preventable for less than the cost of a WOF.

We have the solution. Just not the drive to implement the solution across the board.

Dr Gary Payinda's avatar
Dr Gary Payinda
Mar 01, 2025
∙ Paid
46

Share this post

Dr Gary Payinda's Substack
Dr Gary Payinda's Substack
Another child driveway death. Most are preventable for less than the cost of a WOF.
5
Share

Another child run over in my hometown and killed. Coming just one month after another driveway death in Gore. Also a 3-year-old.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/police-release-name-of-3-year-old-boy-who-died-in-northland-driveway-accident/NSJFQF7PSRH2XB6ZU3DSD3SV3A/

How much is it worth, in dollars, to save the life of several NZ toddlers each year? To prevent them dying needlessly?

It’s a question I think about every time I read or treat a child who’s backed over by a car in a driveway. About 6 kids a year are killed in NZ like this, and 12 others hospitalised, often with major (lifelong) injuries.

In the 18 years I’ve been working in ED, I’ve cared for several kids involved in bad driveway injuries. Examined them with my own hands, lifted them onto the CT scanner table, put tubes between their ribs to treat collapsed lungs, and managed fractured livers and spleens. Some lived, some didn’t.

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Gary Payinda
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share