When you get ready to run errands in Nebraska, you may not think that your vehicle will be the one to harm your child. However, you may easily back over your child with your car if you do not know your son or daughter is behind the vehicle. With the proper precautions, you can ensure this kind of incident does not occur to your family.
Backover accidents happen more often than you may realize. KidsAndCars.org says that each week in the U.S., cars back over 50 kids. About 12,000 children incurred injuries after a car backed over them in 2015 and 284 children died. Most of the children involved in these incidents are one-year-old; however, a driver can back over a child of any age if he or she does not see the kid behind the vehicle. Most of the time, drivers back over children in parking lots and driveways.
Backover accidents usually happen because a child runs into one of the blind spots of a car. Although you may not want to harm your child, you, your spouse or a close relative may easily back over one of your children. This is because young children may run after you when they realize you are leaving and stand behind your car.
There are many ways you can prevent this kind of incident. It is important to teach your children how to behave around cars. Remind them that they should not get in front of or behind a car when the engine is running and make sure they use caution around a parked car. Additionally, it is a good idea for you to walk around your car before you get in so you know your kids are not behind it. You may also want to make sure someone supervises the kids while drivers are leaving and arriving at your home. If your vehicle does not have a rearview camera, you may want to install one so you always know what is behind your car.
This information is general in nature. It should not be used in place of legal advice.
