The Department of Transportation proposed rules in 2010 that stated that all new cars and light trucks would have to install backup cameras without exception. The instilling of these regulations were delayed a fair few times after automotive manufacturers and government officials objected due to concerns relating to costs. Before leaving office this year, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood set a new goal of completing the standards by 2015.
According to statistics based on numbers recorded last year, an estimated 200 children can die from cars backing up into them this year. This can happen if and when a child is playing behind a parked car or truck, a place commonly referred to as a “blind spot”. What usually happens is that a child will run towards the car as it is backing up, and the driver is unable to see the small child due to a blind spot or lack of backup sensors or camera.
Very sadly, the average age of victims of “back over accidents” is statistically less than five years old. These type of accidents mostly occur in the driveway or parking lot of the child itself. And the driver is often a parent.
According to NHTSA estimates, back-over accidents are the cause of an average of 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries each year. One particular report said that 228 fatalities involve light vehicles (which are vehicles that weigh 10,000 pounds or less). “Two particularly vulnerable populations — children and the elderly — are affected most,” the report said. “Approximately 44 percent of fatalities involving light vehicles are children under five — an unusually high percentage for any particular type of crash. In addition, 33 percent of fatalities involving light vehicles are elderly people 70 years of age or older.”
Even without the mandatory regulation, backup cameras have become increasingly common.
Also in 2010, NHTSA estimated that adding a backup camera to a car would cost $58 to $203, depending on whether the car already has a display screen, and would save 95 to 112 lives per year — and up to $18 million per life.
This is the estimated “cost per life” we would have to draw in order to emphasize the importance of installing a backup camera on your car.
So, do the right thing. Install a backup camera on your car or truck today, if you don’t already have one. And if you or a family member has been involved in a car accident such as these in Boca Raton, , for help. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to call Brian D. Guralnick Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Were you or a loved one injured in an accident?
The law offices of Brian D. Guralnick help Florida residents and tourists seek compensation and Demand More? for their injuries.
