You may be surprised to know that there has been a documented increase nationwide in the number of toddler and child deaths as the result of being crushed by reversing sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and other large cars.
No matter how cautious you are, the reality is that when operating a truck, SUV or oversized sedan, there is a blind spot behind your car that extends about ten (10) feet from your back windshield. As a result, most children under the age of nine (9) years old are invisible when you are in reverse. Moreover, statistics show that smaller children are less aware of and do not anticipate vehicles in backward motion.
There’s almost nothing worse than injuring or killing a small child. The negative psychological effects and incredible guilt will stick with you throughout your entire life.
For this reason, the government has decided to take action. In order to keep our parking lots, sidewalks and streets safe–particularly for children–the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has enacted a regulation that requires every new motor vehicle under 10,000 pounds (5 tons) to come equipped with rear sensor visibility technology. All car manufacturers and dealers must comply with this new regulation by May of 2018.
The required technology consists of sensors placed on the vehicle’s rear bumper that sense objects behind the car. These sensors create a “beeping” noise inside the vehicle to warn drivers of the items or individuals behind them. Typically, this technology also includes a small video camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that projects an image on a monitor affixed to your car’s dashboard – displaying what people or objects are behind you. According to the NHTSA, around 60-70 lives are expected to be saved each year by utilization of the technology.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, you need the advice of a qualified personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you maximize your recovery, and better defend you against liability if you’re at fault. The experienced personal injury attorneys at Murphy & Garner, LLC, offer free consultations to all injured people and their families. Our attorneys will evaluate your case, and let you know what your legal options are – whether that means a negotiated settlement or a personal injury lawsuit.
Call us today for a free consultation at 678-563-1584, or visit us online.
