National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator Calls for a Collaborative Effort to Solve the Tragic Issue of Motor Vehicle Backovers

Topics:  Nicole R. Nason

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
November 13, 2006

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator Nicole R. Nason today called for a comprehensive solution to a tragic problem – children who are backed over by motor vehicles.

The agency today submitted to Congress a report on the effectiveness of various backover avoidance technologies currently available to consumers. NHTSA intends to work with safety advocates to educate parents and other caregivers about the importance of educational programs like Spot the Tot while pushing for improvements in video technology that provides drivers with a view behind a motor vehicle.

“The pain caused by the loss of a child or loved one due to a vehicle back over is every parent’s worst nightmare” said Administrator. Nason. “My heart goes out to every family that has lost a child in a backover incident, which is why NHTSA will continue to find real solutions to prevent these tragic events.”

In addition to educational outreach, NHTSA will continue research to analyze the safety problem more thoroughly and better understand the various scenarios under which such incidents occur. Additional research will be aimed at making technology-based countermeasures more effective.

“Although the current technology can offer some assistance, our research showed it is not yet a reliable source to prevent these types of accidents. I intend to push everyone, including the auto industry, to come up with a solution that is practical and effective,” Nason said.

Click here to view report. A video showing samples of the NHTSA research project is available from the public affairs office at 202-366-9550.