Backover Accidents: The Common Causes Behind It
Did you know backover accidents are the number one cause of fatalities in children under 5? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, every 2 hours, a child is killed due to being backed over. This blog post will discuss some of the common causes of these accidents.
What is a backover accident?
A backover accident is a motor vehicle accident wherein a vehicle hits a pedestrian while backing up. These collisions frequently occur in driveways or parking lots and result in pedestrian victims suffering injury and death. Worse yet, most of these incidents may have been prevented if drivers followed the recommended procedures for driving in reverse.
Who is at fault in a backover accident?
There is no easy answer to determining fault in a backover accident. Choosing who is at fault in these accidents can be difficult, as many factors often come into play. In some cases, the driver who struck someone or something while reversing may be liable for the damages caused. It is especially true if the driver was not paying attention or if they were changing in an area where it was unsafe to do so.
In other cases, the person or entity responsible for the accident’s property may be held liable. It could be the case if there were inadequate signage or lighting in the parking lot or if the layout of the parking lot was such that it was difficult to see pedestrians or other obstacles. If you have been involved in a backover accident in Connecticut, it is essential to speak with an experienced Connecticut backover accident attorney who can help you determine who may be liable for the damages you have suffered. An attorney can also help you ensure you receive the total financial compensation you are entitled to.
What are some causes of backover accidents?
Some common causes of backover accidents are drivers being distracted, having low visibility, and being confused about the pedals. Additionally, backover accidents can be caused by large vehicles having blind spots. To avoid these accidents, drivers must be aware of their surroundings and take care when backing up.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of backover accidents. When drivers are using their phones, reaching for something in their car, or fastening their seat belt while backing out, they are unlikely to have sufficient awareness of what is behind them and cause a collision.
Low Visibility
Another common cause of backover accidents is low visibility. If drivers are backing out of a driveway or parking space, they may not be able to see what is behind them. It can lead to them accidentally hitting someone or something.
Confusion about the Pedals
Pedal confusion is another common cause of backover accidents. It happens when a driver mixes up the accelerator and brake pedals and reverses quickly instead of slowly inching backward. It can lead to the driver not having enough time to react if someone or something is behind them.
Large Vehicles with Blind Spots
Backover accidents can also be caused by large vehicles, such as trucks or vans, having blind spots. These blind spots can be as big as a driveway, which leaves much room for someone to run behind the vehicle without the driver noticing.
Despite the number of fatalities and injuries, backover accidents are preventable. Some steps can be taken to avoid these types of accidents. Some of these measures include adding car sensors, better driver visibility, and more public education about the dangers of backovers. Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times and take precautions when backing up. Pedestrians must also be alert and stay out of blind spots when possible. Have you been in a situation where you were worried about being hit by a car while walking? What did you do? With everyone’s help, we can reduce the number of tragic backover accidents each year.
