Ever since my neighbors moved in across the street, I have to be extra diligent to watch when I am backing out of my driveway. There is a very real possibly a small child may run behind my car, or decide to suddenly cross the street to see if my daughter can play. They are not bad kids, but the minimal supervision combined with their lack of attention is simply dangerous.
Even if you have sworn off New Year’s resolutions, you should consider making it second nature to check and double check your mirrors and blind spots to avoid a back over accident. The nonprofit agency, Kids and Cars works to keep children safe through their public service initiatives. Unfortunately the number of children involved in back over accidents is growing. The latest statistics show over 13 thousand children injured a year. That adds up to at least fifty children backed over every week. Sadly one year olds are the most frequent victims.
This number of incidents have made a steep jump from the 555 children involved in back over accidents in 2001. Multitasking could be the culprit. Between talking on a cell phones, checking your calendar on a smart phone, or setting up the GPS the potential for injury rises. SUV’s and other large vehicles are usually involved and sadly the truth is most back over accidents involve a parent, or close relative. Aside from simply looking before pulling out, there are a few other things to do to help reduce the possibility of injury.
Ways to reduce the possibility of having a back over injuries
Do a walk around to be sure no child is lingering behind your vehicle. This is especially true if you live in a neighborhood with lots of children. Even if I physically saw my neighbors and my children sitting on the porch, I have learned to actually walk behind the car before pulling out after running over a bike that was parked directly behind my vehicle.
Keep the landscape trimmed to avoid unnecessary hazards. If you are in a driveway or parking lot with a lot of shrubs, make it a point to double check blind spots and mirrors. Do not rely on cameras to
Most importantly, instruct your children to be aware of vehicles. I am taking it upon myself to teach the neighbor kids to stand in the grass when cars are moving. I wave or make a funny face as I am backing out to keep them engaged and paying attention, but hopefully they will start to internalize the lesson.
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