(HealthDay News) — Kids playing in the yard may be easily distracted and not notice an oncoming car. Busy drivers may also be focused elsewhere and not notice a child in danger.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers these safety tips to avoid a “backover” accident:
- Children must be taught not to play inside or around cars. Parents should always keep an eye on kids when cars are nearby.
- Before you enter your car and back up, walk around the vehicle to make sure no children are close by. While actually backing up, always watch carefully behind you and in side view mirrors.
- Make sure children know that when an adult gets into a nearby car, they should move out of the way, to a place where the driver can see them.
- Be particularly cautious if you drive a large vehicle. Roll down the windows and stick your head out to look to the side and behind you as you back up.
- Keep kids’ toys, bicycles and equipment away from the driveway.
- Do not to completely depend on a backup camera or alert system to keep you from backing over something.