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The death of a young boy using a multi-function tricycle has been described as “deeply tragic” by the investigating coroner.
A boy using a plastic tricycle. Source: istock.com
The Auckland boy, who has not been named for privacy reasons, was 15 months old when he died.
She was riding a multi-function tricycle, which included a detachable handle for an adult to push, with her father when the handle broke and she fell down some concrete stairs.
The boy suffered skull fractures and developed meningitis, described as an “unusual complication.” He died at Starship Hospital three days after the accident.
In the report released this month, coroner Katharine Grieg recommended a review of safety standards for similar toys to assess “whether there are significant or systemic safety concerns that need to be addressed.”
The multifunction tricycle included a “parent handle”, which meant that an adult could push the child in a function similar to that of a stroller.
Greig says it blurs the lines between a child’s toy and transportation, which face different safety requirements.
“[The] The tragic accident shows that a crossover product in which a handle is attached to a tricycle presents the risk of being used in a similar way to a stroller, “says Greig.
“It also shows that serious injuries or tragedies such as [this] death may result. “
Greig suggested including safety warnings on the trike’s handle, as well as in the mounting instructions, and seeing if the product could be modified to mitigate risks.
“I accept that, based on the information currently available, recommending the introduction of legally enforceable mandatory standard requirements in relation to push handle crossover tricycles may not be seen as a proportionate response to what appears to be an isolated incident, although be deeply tragic, “he says.
“However, I remain concerned about the safety of the product type at the center of this incident and the ability of the risks introduced in innovative cross-products to escape proper scrutiny.”
Similar tricycles from the same manufacturer are promoted as a trike that can be assembled in different ways depending on the age of the child, including the safety bars on the side and the ability to lock the pedals so that movement is only possible through push parental.
Please note that the product should not be used as a stroller and that adult supervision is required.
