Latest Blogs

Sadly, the news has been filled with reports of more and more backover accidents in recent years. The stories often involve heartbreaking tales of young children playing out in a driveway being hit by a loved one who was backing up. Statistics show that throughout the United States, about 50 children are victims of backover accidents on a weekly basis. In Florida, your Fort Myers personal injury lawyer will tell you that children between one and five years of age are at high risk, and over 60 percent of backovers involve larger motor vehicles, like SUVs and vans. And it is not just children who are at risk--the elderly, who are often unable to move quickly, are subject to backovers as well, particularly when they are small in stature.

Some safety groups have been calling for rearview cameras to be made mandatory in new cars, and according to a CNN report, the federal government is finally starting to act. The Government recently announced that it will "recommend that new cars have rearview video systems;" however, safety advocates are still not impressed by the Government's actions because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was supposed to take action several years ago with respect to a deadline that was imposed by a Congressional law back in 2008. The law had a 2011 deadline, but it is still "under review" even now in 2013.  

Backover Prevention

The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that blind spots are the reason for about 60 percent of backover accidents that take place. Until the use of rearview cameras or other devices is mandated in new cars, there are steps that individuals can take to prevent a large number of backover accidents from occurring. For example, drivers could take a few extra minutes to walk behind their vehicles and double-check to ensure that no one is behind them prior to backing up. Additionally, drivers should be especially watchful for children because they will often dart out behind a car without noticing that it is moving.

Whether they are backing out of a mall parking spot or a home driveway, Randall Spivey encourages drivers to take their time when backing up by doing so slowly and carefully, and make sure to look over their shoulders. And if a car is equipped with rear sensors and/or cameras, use them as an extra safety precaution.

Kids and Cars Safety

The Kids and Cars Safety Act is getting greater support these days, primarily because the bill would assist with reducing injuries and fatalities since drivers would be able to see exactly what is behind them on a display that is located in the vehicle. Still, drivers need to pay close attention to their surroundings while backing up, even when they are in their own driveways.

If your child has been hit by someone who was backing up, or if you have sustained injuries due to being backed over, you must fight for your legal rights. You may be entitled to monetary compensation if the driver is deemed to be negligent. Let a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer at The Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, PA help you with your case today.