In the U.S., 50 children are backed over every week because a driver could not see them. Rearview cameras can be easily installed and added to any vehicle to end these predictable tragedies.
Blindzones: Every vehicle has one, the area behind it where the driver cannot see even when looking back and using their rear and side view mirrors.
- Average Blindzone is 15 to 25 feet
- It depends on your height too, the shorter you are the larger the blindzone
- Over 60% of backover accidents involve a large vehicle like a Truck or SUV
- Most drivers are unaware of their blindzones
Facts and Circumstances:
- Backovers take place mainly in driveways and parking lots
- in over 70% of incidents, a parent or close relative is the driver behind the wheel
- Children do not understand the danger of a slow moving vehicle, and believe if they see the vehicle that the driver can see them
- Children do not recognize boundaries such as sidewalks, driveways, or parking spaces and often don’t realize they’ve put themselves in danger
Prevention:
- Install a rearview camera or backup sensors on your vehicle. Many drivers believe they have to wait until they purchase a new vehicle to have a backup camera system, but after market systems can be installed on any vehicle
- Always walk around and behind a vehicle prior to moving it
- Teach children that parked vehicles might move and make sure they understand the danger that poses
- Teach children to never play in, around, or behind a vehicle. The driveway isn’t always a safe place to play
- Be aware that steep inclines and large SUV’s, Vans, and Trucks can add to the difficulty of seeing behind a vehicle
To reduce the risk of a backover incident, a backup or rearview camera can be installed in the vehicle to give the driver a better view of what’s behind them. Visit one of our stores today to find out what backup camera options we have for you.
Visit KidsandCars.org for more information regarding back over accidents.