Driving error posing grave danger on babies | 60 Minutes Australia

Rugby Union great Brendan Cannon and his family were incredibly lucky. In 2010 as he was backing up from his driveway, he accidentally ran over his 16-month-old son. Little Sam was in critical condition but miraculously survived. Others aren't so lucky, however. Eight children a year are killed in low-speed vehicle accidents in Australia.
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Synopsis | Saving Sam (2010)
A car. A driveway. A toddler. Then, in one sickening instant, a catastrophe. You can't imagine anything more agonising than watching a child - your own child - fighting for life and being in that position because of something you had done. But it can happen to anyone. Two weeks ago, little Sam Cannon was in the wrong place at the wrong time and was run over in his driveway by his dad, former Australian rugby union great Brendan Cannon. Sam suffered terrible injuries in that accident and came oh-so-close to dying. Luckily, the little boy is every bit as tough as his famous dad.
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[@StarkJerk]

The trauma that poor dad must feel. I hope he’s ok now, Sam must be 15 by now. I hope they’re all doing well.

[@gillowens24]

So scary

[@taylorpresley4604]

This happened to one of my best friends years ago. Her husband was going to make a quick run to the store, their 2 year old son wanted to go but dad said no he would be right back. Their son went outside and was behind the truck and his father didn't see him, ran him over and the son died. My friend never got over it and ended her life.

[@ImAtYourMumsHouse]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I can't say I blame your friend for wanting to escape that pain. I can't even imagine 💔

[@taylorpresley4604]

@@ImAtYourMumsHouse NO, I never judged her, wish I could have found a way to comfort her. I understand her need to escape. She was a beautiful lady, RIP Carol.

[@suzannef138]

I can't imagine this. My daughter got her thumb shut in my car door.. she was maybe 4 and just thinking of it makes me sick. Thankfully I got the door open and her thumb was actually ok. The smallness of her little finger helped. Bless this Family 💕

[@enitachipoyi1377]

Oh I still think about my kids accidentally jamming doors into each other. And to think that it was so minor compared to the horrors of driving over your child. I can't imagine the pain

[@katiebear]

Both of these dads are absolutely tormented. I hope they are doing ok. Although not nearly as serious, My now 20 yr old son, got his finger amputated in the front garden gate hinge when he was 6. The scream he let off I will never forget. The panic I felt was so unbelievably traumatising. My sister who is a nurse, just happened to be visiting me and so was able to take over. He got his finger reattached and has a cool scar and story to tell. I hope these families are doing well ❤

[@rubijenn]

I wrote a children’s book about this… for children from the time they can walk to never play or wander near cars on driveways or laneways. Children can learn from when very small not to touch something when its hot for example.. they can also learn not to go near a car … because the driver cannot see them. It educates parents too.

[@harmz.mindset]

Where can we purchase the book?

[@toiletfrog]

I commend the dad for speaking out about this to raise awareness despite the guilt he must have

[@reneesantiago6496]

Back in the early 80’s after church my best friend got ran over by her step dad and he was driving one of those big trucks. Her and I were in 1st grade, and when we got out of the big truck to run into the church I went around the front, and the driver thought my best friend was with me and back out, but she actually went behind the truck and he ran her over. She had severe injuries but made a full recovery. It was a traumatic thing for me to experience and see.

[@theodorabruin4601]

That happens more often than you think with kids and pets. Must constanly pay attention. Put up fences...whatever it takes. When I was about 8, my fruend and I witnessed a toddler go into the street between cars and getting killed. Parents were in the backyard having a BBQ with friends and family. How do parents leave their kids in hot cars and go shopping or into work? I just don’t understand that.😢😢😢

[@NathalieCwiekSwiercz]

Yes ofc, but no parent can ever have their eyes on their kids at exactly every moment. I would say build a fence!!

[@janbaldwin1189]

My Dad, coming home from work, backed into the driveway. My 1 year old sister managed to get out the back door and went running towards the car. My Mom noticed very quickly, but not fast enough and , ran out screaming. By then my sisier had been knicked down by the bumper and was under the car. Luckily she fell in the centre between the tires, so the tires did not run over her. She was extremely bruised from the bumper, but had no other injuries. My Dad never again backed into the driveway and always stopped down the driveway away from the back door. This hapoened in the '60's so..... Glad this family is bringing awareness to this situation, one that has been happening for a very long time. Thank goodness the little one is healing well!!!❤

[@pearlspiers4779]

I applaud their bravery in publicly addressing this traumatic event. I wish them well and thank goodness for the positive outcome xx Thank you for uploading this, hopefully seeing this will make more people aware and prevent further tragedy….

[@reneesantiago6496]

That 911 operator sounded like zero help.

[@BlairSauer]

Such an awful tragedy. It can happen to anyone. This sort of thing still happens now even though every new car has reverse cameras and back-up sensors. Always check your blind spots and mirrors, don't over-rely on reverse cameras and back-up sensors.

[@maggietorresdelosmedel1710]

All parents should learn first aid. I hope that no one goes through this anymore ❤❤

[@chrisgomez860]

Anytime my child got hurt because of my actions (like accidentally bumping their head on something when I was carrying them), it would absolutely shatter me. My child is an adult now and I still can't stand to see them in pain. My heart breaks for this family, especially the dad. It's so obvious it was an accident. I truly hope they're all doing ok now.

[@katierice9247]

My aunts friend lost his daughter when she was 3 due to him accidentally backing over her in his driveway… So sad. 😞

[@callumfreebairn8082]

sam was almost killed. fiona's anguish at the time is unimaginable

[@user-eh2hj8bx6i]

People buying bigger suvs and trucks these days is not helping this issue.

[@GrannySweets]

Despite Sam's miracle recovery his father will never forgive himself and I'm so deeply sincerely sorry for him; poor man.

[@kbee1735]

This happened in our town in Canada… but… the 2 year old died… so very very tragic… my heart goes out to this dear family… ❤️❤️❤️🤗🤗🤗

[@ashleypearson3846]

This happened to my grandma. She accidentally backed over my moms little brother when he was 2. They had those very steep driveways in Rhode Island. Very sad. It happens. My son is autistic nonverbal so I keep a tight eye on him every second. Very tragic.

[@jinjarogers1711]

We fenced along our drive to the carport, completely separate from the garden spaces because the thought that the kids or dogs could find a way to the car unseen scares the hell out of me

[@carolynlong9148]

This has happened to one of my former pre schoolers. Luckily the little boy suffered no injuries. We simply have to look around before getting in the car and driving.

[@shirleywong4333]

Know where your children are. Always

[@enitachipoyi1377]

this happened 2 weeks ago in NZ, poor baby did not make it. Happens all the time, so sad:(

[@kbee1735]

Hyundai Santa fee side mirror tilt down on backup which would help…

[@user-mv7yw2hz7v]

God. Bless. The. Little. Man. Please. Watch. Over. The. Little. Man. Sad. Now. One. Needs. I. Send. My. Luv. God. Bless

[@mgrizzzwold]

I pray 🙏 for comfort and healing. We had good friends that Grandson ran out to stop Grama from leaving, she didn’t see him.. the ending of a, one-year old’s life, and the broken life of a Nana that can never forgive herself. 😢

[@cherylgoffe7044]

My daughter's close friend's husband had the children' 3 boys the oldest 8, 6 and 3. They were going to go into town. They lived on a farm n keys are always left in ignition. Never a worry. But that day the boys went to get in the truck like always n dad grabbing last minute things. 3 yr old Gage got to the truck but dad would have to lift him in n carseat him. The oldest not knowing any better had turned the key. He was pretending he was driving n miced the shifter which moved to reverse. Just as dad was coming out the door Gage screamed . the truck tire caught him n pulled him down n went right over his head. Gage didn't make it. N dad felt so horrible but their oldear son blamed himself. EVERYONE we all need to keep kids away from car's. I pray for all families going through loss of a child

[@rosie-777]

Thanks for sharing for awareness..I wished they'd never got rid of the Royal children's at Brisbane, I've had a few kids in there, they were great 😊

[@gillowens24]

14 years go now

[@paulleentjes5539]

Miracle ❤

[@laniakea22]

God is great

[@khahlifboot38]

I got ran over i had the back wheel of a station wagon on my chest my little brother was playing with the gear stick i nearly lost a testicle and ended up needing a hernia opperation later in life freak accedents happen this is a good lesson for everyone this story it takes 2seconds 2get out and look under car cameras should be a thing car manufacturers should look at puting in cars if a small child walks up to the rear bumper you wouldnt be able to see them ,im lucky from my accedent i know to look

[@callumfreebairn8082]

there's no excuse for this! it infuriates me! it should be criminalized!😠disagree with me if you want but it's my opinion

[@shirleywong4333]

True

[@paquitoignacio3449]

How could the father backed down on his vehicle without looking if there is something there, instead hit his own child

[@incamoran9532]

Almost all of these driveway accidents can be eliminated if drivers would only REVERSE INTO their driveway. Then, when they want to leave they've got full front vision for anything in or on the driveway and, when they reach the road, they also have clearer sight of any traffic approaching. Kids, cats, and dogs all cop it from a reversing driver. Reverse IN, not out.

[@cjb2749]

Except kids and animals can just as easily run out while you're pulling in, as they can when you're pulling out...

[@lesliecano4963]

@@cjb2749agreed.

[@incamoran9532]

They sure can if they're running loose, but who lets their littlies run around where there might be moving traffic? And see my reply above concerniing the precise moment of arriving vs leaving :) @@cjb2749

[@rubijenn]

I wrote a children’s book about this… for children from the time they can walk to never play or wander near cars on driveways or laneways. Children can learn from when very small not to touch something when its hot for example.. they can also learn not to go near a car … because the driver cannot see them. It educates parents too.

[@user-eh2hj8bx6i]

Not really, I've seen tests where they have placed like 7-8 kids sitting down in *front* of an suv and the driver cannot see them.

[@lolalopez9328]

No, the best way to prevent this accidents is by knowing where your 2 year old is at ALL TIMES!

[@mariaashley87]

Exactly, mom wasn't paying attention.

[@incamoran9532]

And reverse into your drive, not out of it.

[@lesliecano4963]

@@incamoran9532but what if the kids and pets are in the driveway you are backing into?

[@incamoran9532]

No one knows the precise instant you're going to arrive, even if you phone ahead and say you're 5 minutes away. They're far more likely to know when you're leaving home. AND..... there's a responsibility on whoever is at home minding the kids. Education, education, education.@@lesliecano4963

[@dorothycastaneda8760]

Why was there not an adult near a 16 month old child outside especially in driveways or front yards.This happens often sadly.

[@Lucinda_Jackson]

You didn't watch the episode...

[@LizaFergison]

The mom was pinning clothes to dry, and her little boy was happily playing behind her. Little ones can run like lightening, which this one did. Please be careful about blaming parents. You are not walking in their shoes. If I had kept my eyes on my 16 month old, all the time, I couldn't have done anything.

[@coreencasey5109]

If possible back into your driveway so theres less chance of this happening, Even on a busy street. Too bad if people have to wait for you to back in, its a small inconvenience.

[@mrsc9187]

Most of us in the UK do this, as our drives usually exit on to a main road, so it's safer. I think it makes more sense to reverse on to a drive too.

[@shirleywong4333]

Parents fault always lock ur children up so they dont end yp dead

[@robinlaing9560]

Why are these children laying near any car?

[@webeto5902]

Because they are children. They don't know what can happen to them. Don't be a patronizing idiot.

[@melanieholan8719]

Omg this has happened more times than I can count and cause this guy is famous you now bring it up. You guys are fucked up

[@thepeacefulmumma7055]

Typical main stream shitty media

[@ImAtYourMumsHouse]

I want to blame the mother for not making sure her kid was with her, but working at a preschool I know all too well that it takes seconds for a child to escape your sight. I'm sure they've punished themselves enough already. They're so lucky to still have three children.

[@catherinecole3978]

I'm sorry but this issue is a bunch of hokum. Growing up in the Fifties in Canada before we had Universal Health Care, I never heard of a parent ever running over any of their Baby Boom kids in the drive-way! Ironically, now these Australian parents who caused this tragedy through their own inattention, can benefit from their free health care system. When I was a young mother in the Seventies, there wasn't a moment when I was not paying attention to what my child was doing. And even then, there were sometimes minor accidents. People need to slow down, get off their cell phones, and pay attention to what their children are doing.

[@sydneymomma11]

So because you've never personally experienced this, it must never have happened? You're discounting 8 billion other people's lives? When trees fall in the forest, just because *you* didn't see or hear it, no trees have been felled since you've been born? Wow, what an isolating and narrow world view.

[@tamsinboldick7035]

You have to remember also that there were hardly any cars back in the 50s or 70s, heck, even the 80s. It wasn't so common for the average family to own a car. But nowadays, families often have multiple cars, so naturally the probability of such an accident rises.

[@MadamT1979]

Bad parenting . It doesn’t happen in the Philippines because we are so protective of our little ones. Don’t blame the cars it’s the irresponsible drivers that’s at fault here