Children are small in stature, that is no secret. However, they move quickly which could put them in the way of a vehicle that is backing up out of a parking spot or a driveway. This is called a backover incident. It is one of the worst kinds of Connecticut auto accidents not just because it can cause serious injury, but also because it is highly preventable.
Most small children are generally accompanied by adults, especially in a parking lot, but unless that adult is holding the child’s hand or is walking completely in step with the child there is a risk that the child will not be seen by the driver. This is something that happens regularly in big parking lots and in busy neighborhoods. If a child is not visible by a driver, it is possible that an incident may occur.
Visibility is key for the safety of any child no matter her/his size, but for the littlest children among us we must take safety precautions to ensure that they are free from injury. There are things we, as drivers can do to make sure that we are keeping children at the top of our mind and preventing injury at all costs. Some of the safety protocols you can follow to help prevent a backover incident include;
-
Before you get into your car to back out of your parking spot or driveway, take a walk around the vehicle to make sure that it is clear of children or other hazards that may impact your safety or the safety of a child.
-
Take it slow. Backing up quickly is one of the most dangerous things you can do because while your car may be moving quickly, so too might a child who is not looking where she/he is going. This is a recipe for disaster.
-
Check your rear facing cameras, your rear view mirrors, and do one final check by looking over your shoulder in all directions to make sure that there are no children around who may dart out behind your vehicle.
-
Open your ears as well as your eyes. Turn off any music that is playing and roll down your windows in your car so you can hear what is happening around your vehicle. As you back out you may hear a child yell to another child to watch out or a parent yelling to you to stop. If you can’t hear them, you don’t know that they are behind you and you could cause a backover incident.
Keeping children safe when you are behind the wheel is one of the most important jobs you have as a driver. You can prevent a Connecticut auto accident that involves a child darting out in front of or behind your vehicle by taking it slow and keeping your eyes and ears open as you leave your location. Taking these steps will not only keep kids safe, but will also give you peace of mind that you are doing everything you can to avoid incidents.
If you do face the devastating issue of an injured child you may wish to speak with an experienced attorney. Contact our office and one of our attorneys can speak with you about the details of your situation and how they may be able to help you protect your long-term interests.
