How Many People Are Involved in a Backover Accident Each Year?

Some of the most horrible types of car accidents are backover accidents. They are also the most preventable. Even though backover accidents almost always occur at low speeds, they can result in very serious injuries and even fatalities.

Every year in the US, thousands of people are affected by backover accidents, and this highlights the need for more awareness, better safety technology, and legal accountability. Understanding what is the most common age for backover accident victims, can assist with better awareness.

Defining Backover Accidents

Backup accidents are defined as when a vehicle is moving in reverse and strikes a pedestrian, cyclist, or other object/vehicle. Typically, they occur in driveways, parking lots, or other areas where there are a lot of cars and people.

How Many People Are Involved in a Backover Accident Each Year? Backover Accident Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are approximately 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries each year due to backover accidents. These backover accident statistics include both traffic and non-traffic incidents, which gives a full overview of how common these accidents are.

Of the almost 300 fatalities a year, almost 50% of those victims are children under the age of five. These children are at a heightened risk due to their small size, which make them difficult to see because of blind spots.

When considering non-fatal injuries, 18,000 seems very high, and it shows that there is a great need to methods drivers can use to avoid backup accidents.

Who Is Most at Risk of Being Injured in Backover Accidents

Anyone can become a victim in a backover accident, but some people are more vulnerable. Here are those who are most at risk:

• Young children under the age of 5 are much more likely to be a victim of a backover accident than others. These incidents occur because kids are often playing in driveways, and they might not be aware of the danger of moving vehicles.

• Elderly citizens are also common victims of these crashes, as are disabled individuals. These people often have mobility issues, and they can't always move as quickly as they need to.

• Construction workers are also more at risk, as on construction sites, things are very loud, there are tight spaces, and more risk of collisions.

• Delivery drivers and technicians often work in parking areas, warehouses, or in residential neighborhoods. These people are on the list because they simply have more frequent exposure to other vehicles reversing.

Where Do These Accidents Happen?

Most often, backover accidents occur in residential driveways and small parking lots. These environments typically lack features like mirrors, signage, or designated pedestrian lanes. However, since these areas are familiar to drivers, property owners become complacent because they are so used to being in the environment. They might not do that when getting behind the wheel and driving on public roads. Given the statistics, this car accident lawyer in Des Moines may suggest exercising vigilance and advocate for urban change.

Common Causes of Backover Accidents

There are many causes of backover accidents, but here are the most common causes:

• Driver negligence and inattention - Whether distracted by cell phones, multitasking, intoxicated, or simply not taking the time to check blind spots, driver inattention is the most common cause of backover incidents.

• Vehicle blind spots - All vehicles have blind spots, but larger vehicles like pickup trucks have significant blind spots in the back of the car. Someone driving a reversing vehicle may not see a person behind them due to the blind zone.

• Lack of safety features - Some vehicles might not have safety features like backup cams, motion detectors, or backing alarms. This might make it more difficult for a driver to see small children and other hazards.

• Environmental obstructions like fences, shrubs, trash cans, and other obstacles can prevent a driver from seeing what's behind them.

Legal Ramifications

For those injured in a backover accident may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation. Tom Fowler Law in Des Moines has seen firsthand how devastating these accidents can be—not only for the victims but also for their family members.

Depending on the circumstances, the driver may be held liable for negligence. In cases involving children or disabled individuals, the courts must go through a full research process before determining fault.

How to Prevent Backover Accidents

The best way to keep children safe is to prevent these accidents in the first place. There are several safety practices that drivers can use to reduce the chances of a backup accident:

Backup Cameras and Sensors

As of May 2018, all new vehicles sold in the US are required to have backup cameras. These devices offer real-time video of the area directly behind a vehicle. This makes it easier for drivers to see pedestrians, animals, or obstacles that might be in their path. Rear sensors can also alert drivers to motion in the vehicle’s path while reversing.

Pedestrian Education

Educating both drivers and pedestrians about the risks associated with backover accidents can save lives. Parents should teach children to never play by parked vehicles and to try to remain visible when in parking lots or driveways.

Driver Best Practices

Drivers should always walk around their vehicle before reversing, especially in residential areas or crowded parking lots. Taking just a couple of minutes to walk around a car in the driveway or parking space can help to prevent a death.

What to Do After a Backover Accident

When a backover accident occurs, the first thing to do is to call 911, even if there are no serious injuries. The scene should be photographed and videoed, if possible, and those involved should exchange contact information. If any witnesses were around, they should also share contact information. It's best to not speak to any insurance adjuster, if possible. The final step is to reach out to a personal injury attorney. They can help answer questions like what is the most common cause of a backover accident?

Backover accidents claim hundreds of lives and injure thousands of people each year in the United States. Adults can be killed in these accidents, but sadly, the most common victims are children.

Those who have been a victim in a backover accident should contact Tom Fowler Law for a free consultation.