Several years back Congress charged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with the task of not only collecting traffic and collision data (which they had already been doing), but also data on car-related injuries or fatalities that occurred in nontraffic or noncrash situations. For example, accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.
The 2007 statistics are in and NHTSA’s January 2009 Report has some interesting data on “Backovers.” The findings aren’t comprehensive, since some injuries aren’t reported or they are attributed to something else, but it is upsetting to know that last year 221 people were killed when a vehicle drove or backed over them. More surprisingly is that 14,000 people were injured - that is 14% of all nontraffic injuries. This means that people are being relatively careless when backing out of their driveways.
Nothing beats paying attention and being aware of your surroundings. Before a person gets behind the wheel they should quickly look all around the vehicle to make sure nothing or noone is in its way. No gadgets should ever replace that step - besides you can take that time to check your tires - another important step in general car maintenace - but an added assist is the rearview or backup camera that can be mounted at the rear of the vehicle. It provides another set of eyes in case a baby or small child unknowingly makes its way behind the vehicle.
Backup sensors are another tool that can provide additional safety. When backing up the sensors beep if the vehicle or tires get into proximity of an object - person, sidewalk, garbage can.
Preventing an accidental death or injury of a person or, more specifically a baby, is something that is definitely worth taking a moment to think about.
Check out the figures from the NHTSA table; the various ways that people get injured in non-moving vehicles is utterly surprising and fascinating.
{ 0 comments… add one now }