Car backing out of driveway critically hits child in the Bronx NYC

An 8 year old pedestrian was critically injured in a back-over accident in New York City yesterday. The boy was playing on the sidewalk of Webster Avenue  near the intersection of Ittner Place when a car pulled out of an auto shop and hit him. The driver stayed at the scene of the accident. According to the police the driver and the boy knew each other but were not related. The boy was transported to the hospital in critical condition. (read more in the NY Daily News)

50 children hit every week in the US with at least two of them dying

Children are the most common victims of back-over accidents because they are smaller than adult and drivers may not see them in the rear view mirror when they are backing up. According to statistics of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every week in the US, 50 kids are being backed over by cars or by other motor vehicles such as buses or trucks. Injuries are often serious and among these 50 children, at least 2 of them die from their injuries.

Since 2018, all passenger vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds released on the market must be equipped with back up or rear-view cameras.  However many cars that have been released before 2018 are still on the road in the US.

Tips to prevent back-over accidents

It is possible to buy sensors and rear-view cameras to install on a used vehicle but if you don’t want to invest in such technology you should make it a habit to always walk around your vehicle before you back up. Hold your children’s hand when you are in a parking lot so when drivers back up they see you. Educate your children about not playing behind or near cars and why drivers do not see them. Always exercise caution.

For more information about back-over accidents click here