Do you know where the children are?

It's springtime and that means more children are playing outside.

Unfortunately, in the rush to get to the store before it closes, or in the frenzy of getting the entire family in the car to go to grandma's house, the focus is often what is in the car -- not what is around it, according to the Safe Kids Kansas organization, which encourages anyone driving a vehicle to walk completely around it to check for children, pets or toys before getting in and starting the engine.

In the United States in 2007, it was estimated there were 5,000 injuries and 205 deaths to children under 14 years of age as a result of being hit by a vehicle in a driveway or parking area, according to Safe Kids Kansas. These incidents are known as "backovers" or "frontovers," depending on direction.

"We believe these injuries and deaths are preventable as too many result from a driver not seeing children who might be playing, running after, or standing near their vehicle," Safe Kids Kansas State Director Cherie Sage said. "What is truly tragic about these stories is that oftentimes, the drivers are friends or even family members."

Safe Kids Kansas offers the following simple, low-tech tips for parents and caregivers to help make sure children remain safe around vehicles:

* Before getting in the car and starting the engine, walk all the way around the parked vehicle to make sure children and pets are not under or behind it. When possible, engage older kids as helpers to accomplish this.

* Ensure that young children are always accompanied by an adult when getting in and out of a vehicle.

* Talk to children and identify a safe play area for them to use far away from parked or moving vehicles.

* Identify a safe spot for children to go when nearby vehicles are about to move.

* Know where the children are. When walking near moving vehicles, in driveways, in parking lots, or on sidewalks -- parents and caregivers should make sure to firmly hold the hand of each child that is with them.

* Avoid using driveways as play areas if moving cars have access entering or exiting these areas.

* Supervise children at play. Remind them not to play in neighbors' driveways or alleys where drivers may not be expecting or watching for children.

"Every vehicle has blind zones, in front and in back, regardless of how large or small that vehicle is," Sage said. "So, no matter how important it is at that moment for you to get to your destination on time, taking a five-second walk around your car to make sure that children are not in harm's way could save your family and your child from a lifetime of physical and emotional pain."

For more information about keeping children safe in and around cars, visit www.usa.safekids.org.