NHTSA Proposes Rule to Reduce Back-Over Crashes

According to National Highway Transportation (NHTSA) estimates, on average 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur each year as a result of back-over crashes involving all vehicles. Of these, most of the fatalities involve light vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less.

Two particularly vulnerable populations – children and older adults – are affected most. Approximately 44% of fatalities involving light vehicles are children under five (an unusually high percentage for any particular type of crash). In addition, 33% of fatalities involving light vehicles are people 70 years of age or older.

To address this issue, The U.S. Department of Transportation proposed a new safety regulation to help significantly reduce the blind zones behind vehicles that can block pedestrians from view. The proposed rule was required by Congress as part of the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007. (The act is named after two-year old Cameron Gulbransen, who was killed when his father accidentally backed over him in the family’s driveway.)

The proposal, issued by NHTSA, would expand the required field of view for all passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, buses and low-speed vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 10,000 pounds so that drivers can see directly behind the vehicle when the vehicle’s transmission is in reverse. NHTSA believes automobile manufacturers will install rear mounted video cameras and in-vehicle displays to meet the proposed standards. To meet the requirements of the proposed rule, 10% of new vehicles must comply by Sept. 2012, 40% by Sept. 2013 and 100% by September 2014.

While technology can help reduce back-over crashes, there are many things a driver can and should do to avoid such tragedies. This information sheet from NHTSA provides good information. In addition, here are some basic tips from AAA Exchange:
*Always assume children could be present, and carefully check the street, driveway, and area around your vehicle before backing out.
*When backing up, always know where all children are and have them stay in your full view and well away from your vehicle.
*Always look behind as you back out S-L-O-W-L-Y with your windows rolled down to listen for children who may have dashed behind your vehicle suddenly - and be prepared to stop!
*Use extreme care whenever you back up. If you're driving an SUV or truck, remember that the blind spot behind your vehicle can be especially large.

These simple tips take only an extra few seconds but could save a life.