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Backover Accidents Are Preventable

Backovers are preventable accidents.

Awareness is key. And fortunately, there are many ways to reduce blind zones and avert these accidents. Vehicles can be purchased or retrofit with backup warning devises to reduce or eliminate their blind zones. Rear sensor systems can alert drivers to obstacles or people in their blind zones with an audio warning. Rear view camera systems show drivers what’s behind them via an in-car monitor. As a result of the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act, the Federal government is in the process of developing and implementing a rear visibility standard for all motor vehicles.

The following are some safety tips to prevent frontovers and backovers accidents:

• Walk around and behind a vehicle prior to moving it.
• Know where your kids are. Make children move away from your vehicle to a place where they are in full view before moving the car, and ensure that another adult is properly supervising children before moving your vehicle.
• Teach children that parked vehicles might move. Let them know that they can see the vehicle, but the driver might not be able to see them.
• Consider installing cross view mirrors, audible collision detectors, a rear-view video camera and/or some type of back up detection device.
• Measure the size of your blind zone (area) behind the vehicle(s) you drive.
• Be aware that steep inclines and large SUV’s, vans and trucks add to the difficulty of seeing behind a vehicle.
• Consider retrofitting your vehicle(s) with rear sensor system safety technology if you do not have it.  There are cost-effective and simple-to-install kits available.  When you purchase a new car, be sure to ask for rear sensor system safety technology.
• Always set the emergency brake, and teach your children to never play in, around or behind a vehicle.
• Keep toys and other sports equipment off the driveway.
• Homeowners should trim landscaping around the driveway to ensure they can see the sidewalk, street and pedestrians clearly when backing out of their driveways. Pedestrians also need to be able to see a vehicle pulling out of the driveway.
• Never leave children alone in or around cars; not even for a minute.
• Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway.
• Keys and/or remote openers should never be left within reach of children.
• Make sure all child passengers have left the car after it is parked, and be sure to hold children’s hands when leaving the vehicle.
• Be especially careful about keeping children safe in and around cars during busy times, schedule changes and periods of crisis or holidays.
• Advise children of the 10′ blind zone around bus perimeters and that they should not play or push in line at the bus stop especially as a bus approaches.  They should never retrieve an article dropped in front of a bus without getting a signal from the driver that it is okay to do so.

If you or someone you know has a child who has been injured by one of child accidents listed above you need information. Contact our Ohio child accident lawyers to order your free copy of Little Kids, Big Accidents.

We handle Ohio personal injury cases involving car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, ATV accidents, Ohio workers’ compensation, construction accidents, child injuries, wrongful death, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, food poisoning, dog bite attacks, and all injury cases.