Each year Utah witnesses more than 50 injuries that involve a car rolling over a child. Even with technology, such as backup cameras, Child advocates say there is nothing more effective than taking a few seconds to w alk around your car. Walking around your car before backing up, “Really gives me a lot of peace of mind,” says one Utah mother, Cherie Groll.
The KSL news underlines the major risk factors that contribute to a child back over.
- Children under 5 years of age.
- High-profile vehicles like SUV’s, vans and trucks which have significantly larger blind spots.
-Vehicles traveling in reverse (Account for 69% of deaths)
-Rushed and/or distracted drivers
(Courtesy of Primary Children’s Medical Center and Utah Department of Health)
In addition to a basic walk-around, Groll uses a wide-angle mirror every time she backs her van out of her garage. Large mirrors and back-up cameras are also a useful tool to prevent backovers.
Video Courtesy of KSL.com
In the past few months, there have been three child fatalities caused by a rollover. A 18-month-old boy when his Uncle pulled into the garage and ran him over. On July 31st, 2009 a 4-year old Orem, Utah boy was playing in the driveway. His aunt didn’t see him and killed him instantly. Finally, this past Sunday night a 2-year old Sandy, Utah boy was killed when his father back over him with his truck.
Here are some additional tips to prevent Utah child rollovers:
-Drivers of SUV’s and trucks should be extra careful and check the street and driveway before
entering their vehicle
- Roll down windows to hear children
-Adjust the driver’s seat as high as needed to see clearly out of the rear window
- Supervise children when a driver is leaving
- Teach your children not to play in, under or around vehicles