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November 30, 2006
NHTSA: FEW SOLUTIONS TO BACKOVER DEATH PROBLEM
Deaths and injuries caused to children and others by drivers inadvertently backing over them are a serious problem to which few technological solutions appear to be available, according to NHTSA. An article in the Detroit Free Press notes that a new NHTSA study, if accurate, “would place backovers among the leading causes of accidental death for children younger than 5, claiming more lives than falls or poisoning.”
It quotes the NHTSA’s administrator as saying that though some technology might help, "our research showed it is not yet a reliable source to prevent these types of accidents. I intend to push everyone, including the auto industry, to come up with a solution that is practical and effective.”
“Despite the report's doubts about technology, safety advocates say it buttresses their call for Congress to require federal auto-safety regulators to set a minimum standard for rear visibility in vehicles, a step automakers oppose,” the newspaper said. Advocates contend that “the problem has grown worse as larger vehicles, such as pickups, vans and SUVs, have become more common in American driveways.” In its report NHTSA estimates 183 deaths were caused by backovers in 1998, the last year for which it had data available, of which 69 were children younger than 5. It also estimated that about 1,200 such accidents happen every year.
Posted by MVHAP at November 30, 2006 07:31 PM