Backover Accidents: Child Dies After Being Hit by SUV in Columbia
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A three-year-old boy died in Columbia on Wednesday, July 22 after being struck by an SUV in a backover accident. Backover accidents typically occur when a vehicle is pulling out of a driveway or parking space and backs over an unsuspecting person. Police do not believe that the use of drugs or alcohol were involved in the incident. The driver of the vehicle was a 29-year-old woman driving a GMC Yukon SUV. The incident occurred on the 1300 block of Carolina Drive. The boy was transferred to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

Tips for Safely Operating a Vehicle Around Children

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Child Safety Program reported that 210 people died, and 1500 people are injured every year from backover accidents. According to the report, roughly 50 children are backed over every week in the United States.

The NHTSA’s Child Safety Program released a report detailing how individuals can be safer in vehicles with children around. Here are a few of their findings:

  • Vehicles with a backup camera feature help drivers see behind their vehicles.
  • Tell children not to play around vehicles. We are all familiar with looking both ways before crossing the street—take this a step further by explaining to children that cars can still be dangerous in parking lots and driveways, too.
  • Check for children before driving your car. Drivers should always be aware of their surroundings. Anytime a driver sees children, that driver should exercise extreme caution.
  • While backing up, have your windows rolled down. You might miss someone trying to warn you that you are backing into someone or something if your windows are rolled up. Having your windows rolled down while you reverse your vehicle will make you more aware of your surroundings.

Backover accidents have the capacity to derail your entire life. They can cause serious injury or even death. If you, a child, or someone you know were injured or killed in a backover incident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Columbia to explore your compensation options and get your life back on track.