Blind spots in rear views are a common danger for drivers, especially those of sports utility vehicles. Our Boston car accident lawyers are encouraged by proposed new rules to reduce the risk.
Boston car accidents will diminish when drivers are better able to see what is behind them, particularly in parking lots, driveways and parallel parking spots.
Several summers ago Consumer Reports tested some vehicles rear blind spots. It was a simple test to set a 28 inch traffic cone behind a vehicle and measure when the driver could see the top. The results of the study found that blind spots ranged from 7 to 50+ feet.
Earlier this month the U.S. Department of Transportation proposed a regulation that will help reduce and hopefully eliminate vehicle blind spots. The new regulation will increase the required field of view for trucks, cars, minivans and other vehicles under 10,000 pounds.
Installing in-vehicle display screens and video cameras to the rear of vehicles will comply with the regulations. By September 2012 10% of new vehicles will need this modification, followed by 40% in 2013 and 100% by 2014.
The proposal sited the following facts from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
-About 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur per calendar year from back-over accidents (for all vehicle types).
-The majority (228) of these 292 fatalities were from light vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or less.
-Children and the elderly are most likely to fall victim of a back-over accident.
-44% of fatalities involving a vehicle 10,000 pounds or less are with children under 5.
-33% of fatalities with a light vehicle are with victims over age 70.
Tips to prevent backover accidents in Boston:
-Children should not play around parked vehicles so refrain from leaving balls, toys, and bikes around or behind parked vehicles
-Hold on tight to children walking on or around driveways, sidewalks and parking lots.
-Teach children a safe place to stand when a vehicle is backing out of the driveway. The driver and child need to see each other.
-Slowly back out of parking spaces and driveways. Rolling down your window and making sure your radio is off will help you hear anyone approaching your vehicle.
Though newer technology is a step in the right direction, nothing replaces walking around your vehicle prior to backing up.
If you are someone you love has been involved in an automobile accident in the Boston area, contact the Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Call toll free at 877-617-5333.