Backover Accidents: How to Prevent a Tragedy

Backover accidents are responsible for killing thousands of children each year. The sad truth is that these accidents are entirely preventable.

A backover accident usually occurs when a car is backing out of a parking spot or driveway. Because of blind spots in vehicles, drivers are strongly encouraged to double check behind their vehicles before backing up. These “blind zones” directly behind or around the vehicle are not able to be seen from the driver’s seat.

Backover Statistics

• At least 50 children are backed over by vehicles every week throughout the U.S.
• Of those 50 struck by cars, 48 are treated in hospital emergency rooms.
• Another two children are fatally injured in backover accidents every week.
• Children between the ages of 12 and 23 months old are the most common backover accident victims.
• More than 60 percent of backover accidents involve larger passenger vehicles, like trucks, vans and SUVs.
• In more than 70 percent of all backover accidents, the at-fault driver is a close relative or parent.

Protecting Children Around & Near Cars

Due to the fact that backover accidents are 100 percent preventable, it is important to point out that there are numerous safety tips to put into action when children are around cars. Children should never be allowed to play near parked cars. Why? Busy adults may be in too much of a hurry to walk around their vehicle and check for blind zones before driving off to their destinations. The following safety tips can help prevent a fatal backover accident:

• Walk around and behind the vehicle before getting behind the wheel.
• Make sure you know where your children are.
• Teach children that parked cars might move at any time.
• Keep toys and and anything else kids might use out of the driveway.
• Trim up any landscaping located around the driveway to help with visibility.
• Watch children when exiting a vehicle. Hold their hands if possible.

Fatal and injury-causing backover accidents can change your life forever. It is very important to talk to your children about the dangers of driveways and parked cars so that they know to exercise added caution. As a driver, it is necessary to take the time to check your “blind zones” before getting into your car. If you have an SUV or truck, you should pay particular attention, as these vehicles are known to have larger blind zones than other vehicles.

If your child has been injured in a backover accident, a Citrus County Auto Accident Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you understand your rights. Call us today at 352-726-0078 or contact us online for a free consultation.