How Often Do Car Accidents Happen In Reverse?
The first cars that rolled off the assembly line were missing a few standard items. Initially, there were no windshields, turn signals, or seat belts. Most glaring omission was the fact that there was no reverse gear. Consider what it would be like if you couldn’t throw your car in “R” to maneuver in and out of parking spaces. While the reverse gear is an essential feature of a car, it is not without problems and risks.
According to data collected by the National Safety Council, backing accidents account for 500 deaths and 15,000 injuries yearly. More upsetting is that at least 50 children are backed over by cars, with an average of two children dying in those accidents (according to Driving Tests).
These car accidents that happen in reverse aren’t limited to home driveways. A majority happen in parking lots.
How to Avoid a Reverse Car Accident
Even at speeds of less than 5 mph, these tragedies are preventable accidents. Unfortunately, too often, drivers become distracted when backing up, and it only takes a fraction of a second to get into trouble. The following are some ways to avoid getting into a car accident in reverse.
Check the Blind Spots
Every car, regardless of size, has a blind spot. You need to be aware of your car’s blind spot and how it impacts what is visible. We are accustomed to looking in the rearview mirror and driver’s side mirror, but we often overlook the passenger’s side mirror, which is a prime blind spot.
Park Defensively
When parking in a shopping center lot or office building garage, you need to park in the center of the parking space without crowding any cars on the other side. If you have the confidence (and the space), it will help if you can back into the parking spot. That eliminates the risk of an accident.
Do a Circle Safety Check
Before any car trip, you should get into the habit of performing a circle safety check. That means walking around the car to make sure there are no obstacles. This is critically important if you live in a home and neighborhood with kids playing outside. Even if there are no kids, there could be all manner of toys left under the car. If you’ve ever noticed wild animals or cats, you’ll want to check to make sure they aren’t under your cars.
Use a Spotter
If you are in a parking spot with blind spots and you have someone else with you, it would help to use a spotter. That person can slowly guide you out of the space and make sure you clear the spot.
Don’t Rely on Technology
Backup warnings are now standard technology on cars and SUVs. They can help you navigate, but they are limited. For instance, a backup camera can reveal where you’re heading, but it won’t necessarily detect other vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, or scooters coming at you from the left or right of your car.
The Nevada Driver’s Manual speaks to this issue in the following way:
“When the driver shifts into reverse, sensors scan the area behind the vehicle. The backup warning will alert the driver through sounds, vibration, or both if there is an object behind the vehicle. The driver should not become complacent and dependent on the backup warning. The driver should safely monitor and maneuver their vehicle during backing. These include checking side mirrors, rearview mirror, over the shoulder (head checks), and camera(s), if equipped.”
The Right of Way
It is important to note who has the right of way when backing up. In most cases, the car in the active lane has the right of way. In the parking lot, the vehicles that are driving up the lane looking for a spot have the right of way. You should never assume that the approaching vehicle knows you’re backing up or even seeing your car. It is your responsibility to look out for those cars and go extremely slow.
If you’ve been injured because of a car that was backing up, you will be entitled to seek a remedy for any losses. Talking with an experienced car accident attorney, like the team at the Law Office of Matthew Sharp, can help get you the answers you need.
