Each week, at least 50 children are backed over by vehicles across the country. On average, two of those children die, and 48 are treated in hospital emergency rooms. WLOS ABC News Channel 13 recently reported on the rear visibility technology that will be required in all new vehicles beginning in 2018. Mandatory rear visibility technology has been a priority of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for a long time. Research shows that rear visibility technology can effectively save lives and reduce the number of backover crashes that happen each year. Backup cameras and sensors have been optional upgrades for a variety or larger trucks and SUV’s for a couple of years, but in 2018 all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds will be outfitted with this technology.
Rear Visibility Technology
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) rule will ensure that all drivers of new cars, starting in 2018, have rear visibility technology that offers a 10-foot by 20-foot field of view directly behind the vehicle. There will also be a variety of requirements regarding image size, durability, deactivation, response time and linger time. U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx has stated that the U.S. DOT is committed to protecting children and seniors, who happen to be the two most vulnerable age groups as victims of backover crashes.
Backover Crashes by The Numbers
- On average, 210 fatalities are attributed to backover crashes each year.
- Children under the age of five account for 31 percent of all backover fatalities.
- Adults over the age of 70 account for 26 percent of backover fatalities.
- Additionally, about 15,000 injuries are caused by backover crashes every year.
After Any Kind of Accident
After any kind of car accident, always address your immediate medical needs first. Even seemingly minor crashes can leave victims with painful injuries. Once you’ve taken care of your health, it’s a good idea to speak with an attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case, while you get back to your normal life. Additionally, a lawyer can deal with pushy insurance companies and make sure you’re getting treated fairly. If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact the skilled team at the Davis Law Group, P.A. at 888-773-8388 for a free consultation today.