It's a parent's worst nightmare. We're talking about back over injuries. According to the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, at least one child a week dies as a result of being accidentally backed over by a family vehicle. Even more tragic is that it's often a family member who is behind the wheel. Between 2000 and 2003, almost 7,500 kids between the ages of 1 and 14 were injured in backover incidents. That doesn't include the 91 children that died from being backed over in 2003. What's even worse is that many drivers are actually using the rearview mirror at the time of the accident. However, small children often can't be seen in the car's blind spot. The good news is that there are simple steps that can be taken to ensure your child does not become the victim of a backover accident. For starters, make sure your child knows it's never okay to play in or around automobiles.
Even if there is nobody in the cars at the time, it's a bad precedent to set. Before getting in your car, always walk around the car to make sure there are no children behind the vehicle. Be sure you know where your children are when you're backing out. For example, make them stand on a sidewalk or at the front of the driveway. When reversing watch in the rearview mirror to make sure no children suddenly dart behind the car. Use detection devices and keep an ear out for warning sides. When walking in a driveway or through a parking lot with children, always tightly hold his or her hand. A few simple precautions could save your child's life.