U.S. DOT Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Rear-Visibility Rule

U.S. DOT Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Rear-Visibility Rule

U.S. DOT Holds Public Hearing on Proposed Rear-Visibility Rule

NHTSA
March 23, 2011

NHTSA 03-11
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Contact: Karen Aldana
Tel: 202-366-9550

NHTSA Administrator Strickland Hears from Industry Representatives, Victims and Public Interest Groups as They Offer Views On Safety for Children and the Elderly

The U.S. Department of Transportation today held a day-long public hearing with industry leaders, public interest groups and victims to hear their views on government proposals on safety measures to help eliminate blind zones behind vehicles that can hide the presence of pedestrians, especially young children and the elderly.

"Every year, nearly 300 people are killed and 18,000 more are injured when someone, often a parent or grandparent, backs over them," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "To put an end to these tragedies, we have proposed a new safety rule and are seeking further public feedback."

In December, the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a landmark rearview visibility safety regulation to reduce back-over fatalities and injuries. The proposed rule was required by Congress as part of the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007. Two-year-old Cameron Gulbransen, for whom the Act is named, was killed when his father accidentally backed over him in the family's driveway.

At today's public hearing, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland noted that the goal of the hearing was to provide an opportunity for industry groups, safety advocates, victims, and other interested parties to present their views on the back-over problem directly to the agency, including discussions of the countermeasures the agency is currently proposing.

"Safety is our top priority and the steps we are proposing, with the public's help and input, will reduce back-over fatalities and injuries not only to children, but to the elderly, and other pedestrians," Administrator Strickland said.

To view NHTSA's proposal or submit a comment click here. The agency will be accepting public comments until April 18 and intends to issue a final rule by the end of the year.