In the United States, an average of 50 children are injured each week when they are backed over by a vehicle. The majority of these children are around 23-months-old on average, according to Kids and Cars. A total of 48 generally receive treatment in a hospital as a result of being backed over by a vehicle. The remaining two children lose their lives.

A personal injury lawyer knows there are steps that can reduce the risk of a back-over accident occurring. One of the best options available may involve installing an after-market rear-view camera system or purchasing a vehicle that has such a system installed as an option available from the manufacturer of the vehicle.

Rear View Cameras Can Prevent Back-over Crashes and Save Lives

According to the Auto Channel, a vehicle with a rear view camera provides significantly more visibility in the rear than a vehicle with no back-over camera. A study from AAA demonstrates the extent to which visibility can be improved. AAA tested rear visibility in 17 different vehicles made by 11 different car manufacturers. Some of the vehicles had rear view camera systems installed by the manufacturer and others had systems installed by the drivers after-the-fact.

The research revealed in hatchback cars, there was a 75 percent improvement in rear visibility when a camera was in place. In smaller cars such as sedans, there was a 36 percent improvement in rear visibility after the installation of a rear view camera.

Cameras were especially helpful in making it easier for drivers to see the area 10 feet immediately behind the vehicle. This is the most dangerous location in terms of children being injured in back-over accidents.

Unfortunately, statistics reveal that around 70 percent of situations where a child is the victim of a back-over crash, the driver of the vehicle is a parent or a close relative of the child. This means parents can significantly improve their own children’s safety by making the decision to install a rear view camera.

Of course, while cameras can make a big difference, they are not 100 percent perfect. AAA still advises drivers should walk behind the rear of a car before getting into the vehicle to make sure the exit path is clear and no children or obstacles are in the way of the car backing up. When walking behind to do the pre-check, it is also a good idea to clear off the camera if it has debris on it that could impede visibility. Drivers should also be aware bad weather can create a fuzzy picture and make back-over cameras slightly less effective.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has imposed a requirement that all vehicles be equipped by back-over cameras by 2016. Until this time, drivers may wish to invest in a vehicle that has one installed when looking for a car to buy. Alternatively, they may wish to install an after-market system on their own.

Contact a San Antonio accident lawyer at the Herrera Law Firm. Call 800-455-1054 or visit http://www.herreralaw.com for a free case consultation. Serving San Antonio, Alamo Heights, Olmos Park, and Terrell Hills.