Most people probably don’t think that leaving a family gathering could end in tragedy. On the contrary, when you leave your family gathering this holiday season you should use extra caution due to the fact there are a lot more people, kids, and vehicles around attending your gathering or at a nearby neighbor’s gathering.
New York car accidents occur daily but don’t let someone you know fall victim because you forgot to look over you shoulder in a backover accident.
The Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act was passed in 2007, which directed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to gather data on motor vehicle incidents that are non-traffic related..
In January 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its report, for the first time, documenting non-traffic related motor vehicle incidents. In the report 221 victims died in backover accidents and 14,000 people suffered an injury in 2007.
Understanding how these accidents occur is the first step in preventing them. Knowing that all vehicles have blind spots is the key to reducing back-over accidents. Consumer Reports recently measured several different types of vehicles blind spots. The best measurement was 7 feet and the worst was 50 feet. The test was done by placing a 28″ traffic cone behind the vehicle, when the driver could see the top of the cone the distance was measured.
A new regulation proposed earlier this month by the U.S. Department of Transportation will help eliminate vehicle blind spots. This regulation will require all new vehicles by 2014 to have installed equipment that enables the driver to see into their vehicle blind spot.
Some safety tips whenever you are backing up a vehicle:
-Check the surrounding area before getting in your vehicle.
-If children are present make eye contact with them and keep them in sight at all times.
-Slowly start to back up and be prepared to stop.
Children need to be taught that playing under, in or around a parked vehicle is very dangerous and should not be done. Before you leave your holiday party this year, make sure all children are accounted for and walk around your vehicle before leaving.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a New York car accident, let the experienced attorneys at the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose assist you. Call for a free consultation at 718-261-0549.