Backing Up Is Hard To Do
I just finished flipping through my latest copy of One Step Ahead, a.k.a. porn for the paranoid parent. It's made me feeling verrrrrrry safety first. So today you heard first about the new napalm of the backyard: poison ivy 2.0. Now, let me introduce you to the hazards of big honkin' suburban assault vehicles with blind spots longer than a Boeing 747's slipstream.
According to Kids and Cars, a child safety advocacy group, each week at least two children are killed and another 50 are hurt in
backover accidents. Most involve kids under the age of 5. In nearly 3 out of 4 cases, a direct relative is behind the wheel -- mom or dad,
grandma or grandpa, aunt or uncle.
Most cars --even non-SUVs -- have blind spots that are at least 35 feet long -- longer than your typical driveway. What to do? There are two easy fixes. For about $100, you can get an audible warning sensor added to your car. Even better, opt for a rear camera, which will set you back only $300. Your cellphone has a camera, for crying out loud, so why not your car?
Lives shattered in driveway backover accidents [MSNBC]
I worry about this all the time with my 4 year-old around. So I have done a bit of research on the issue.
While helpful, back-up alarms and cameras aren't foolproof. Try these things too:
1. Teach your children to stay well away from any cars that are backing up or about to back up. Give them a spot to go to when a car is coming in or out of the driveway. Make sure they do it.
2. Know where your children are before starting to back up. Don't assume they are where you last saw them.
3. Look all around your car before you get in it.
4. Turn your head all the way around to look before you start backing up. Don't rely on mirrors alone.
5. Back up very slowly.
Comments about the some of the "other" things you can do after installing a camera or sensors.
1. You can give your children a "spot" to go to; and they MIGHT do it 9 out of 10 times. Young children do not have the cognitive ability to understand they are putting themselves in danger. Know where your children are before moving a vehicle is an excellent tip; but even better....make sure an adult is aware that you are leaving and that they have the children out of harms way. (children have even been killed because they broke away from that adult)
Good idea to look all the way around your vehicle before getting in; but by the time it takes to buckle up and get the air conditioner set.....children can be behind your vehicle.
You just can't be too careful when vehicles are getting ready to move. Make sure they are inside with an adult who is properly supervising them. If there is not another adult; put them in their car seat in the back seat before moving your vehicle.
2 ton verses 30 pounds is rarely survivable.
Visit www.KidsAndCars.org for more safety tips.
One more idea: When backing up, keep your windows open and your radio off. Listen.