There have been a number of heartbreaking news stories recently about parents & caregivers accidentally backing up over their children. One in particular quoted a pediatrician named Greg Gulbransen who said he was ultra-careful to avoid this, knowing the danger, yet his 2-year-old slipped out for the first time and got in a spot where he simply could not be seen. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19353735/)
Many of the parents in these stories later bought backup cameras like the one in the article. Most importantly, they feel the cameras or similar rear-obstacle detection systems, should be standard safety devices just like seat belts, airbags, etc. (Rearview mirrors can't see short children, and most backovers are children under 5.)
Yes, they do add costs -- just like other auto safety devices. But IMHO it is worth it to add less than one percent to the cost of a car, in order to help prevent the 100 children's deaths, and 2500 injuries, that occur every year in U.S. auto backover accidents.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
patrick @ Aug 1st 2007 8:51AM
There have been a number of heartbreaking news stories recently about parents & caregivers accidentally backing up over their children. One in particular quoted a pediatrician named Greg Gulbransen who said he was ultra-careful to avoid this, knowing the danger, yet his 2-year-old slipped out for the first time and got in a spot where he simply could not be seen. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19353735/)
Many of the parents in these stories later bought backup cameras like the one in the article. Most importantly, they feel the cameras or similar rear-obstacle detection systems, should be standard safety devices just like seat belts, airbags, etc. (Rearview mirrors can't see short children, and most backovers are children under 5.)
Yes, they do add costs -- just like other auto safety devices. But IMHO it is worth it to add less than one percent to the cost of a car, in order to help prevent the 100 children's deaths, and 2500 injuries, that occur every year in U.S. auto backover accidents.