THIS SPRING, WATCH OUT FOR BACKOVER ACCIDENTS

A “backover” accident occurs when a vehicle that is backing up or rolling backwards runs into or over a pedestrian, which frequently causes serious injuries. Children are at particular risk for backover accidents, especially during springtime in the Bay Area because the pleasant weather encourages people of all ages to step outside and enjoy the sun.

According to kidsandcars.org, most victims of backover accidents are between the ages of 12 and 23 months. The majority of backover accidents involve larger passenger vehicles, like pickup trucks, minivans, and SUVs, and in 70 percent of accidents, a parent or close relative of the injured child is the one behind the wheel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 2,400 children are treated for backover accident injuries every year, and about 720 children are killed every year.

To help prevent a backover accident from injuring a child you love, consider the following tips:

• Always walk around your vehicle before getting in. If there are children in the area, have them stand where you can see them from the driver’s seat, and make sure you can see all of them before you start your vehicle.
• Hold a child’s hand when getting into or out of a vehicle, especially in a parking lot or other area where other vehicles are present.
• Teach kids never to play in or around parked cars.

If you or someone you love is injured in a backover or other crash, please don’t hesitate to call the focused San Jose car accident attorneys at Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys. Our number is (800) 900-0863. Contact us today to learn more.