Sabini warns of auto backovers

Backover accidents, which happen when someone is struck by a car going in reverse, claim two lives a week nationwide; however, these deaths can be avoided if drivers exercise more caution, said State Senator John Sabini, a member of the senate’s Transportation Committee, on Monday, July 14.
Backover victims are typically children who are so small that drivers cannot see them, Sabini explained.
For example, out of the 474 fatal backover accidents that occurred between 2001 and 2006, nearly half of the non-traffic fatalities involved children, Sabini said.
Family members are often the drivers in these incidents, which tend to happen in residential driveways, Sabini added.
“I urge drivers to always take the time to check behind your car,” Sabini said. “ vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs have much larger blind spots compared to smaller automobiles - up to 28 feet for pickup trucks, according to ConsumerReport.org.
Tell kids about blind spots and how they should stay out of them.
Always be aware where children are when operating or about to operate a car around them.
Keep toys, sports gear and other objects of interest for children away from parked cars, including in home driveways, the places of many back overs.