In 2002, the unthinkable happened to the family of two-year-old Cameron Gulbransen. As the boy’s father was leaving for work, Cameron ran into the driveway to wave goodbye. Sadly, Cameron’s father did not see the boy run behind the car and accidentally backed over the child.
According to Mark Rosenker, CBS News transportation safety analyst, this is called “bye-bye syndrome” – when children run into the blind spot behind vehicles and are accidentally backed over.
Unfortunately, the Gulbransen’s are not the only family to have this tragedy befall them, this all-too-familiar scene tragically plays itself out in driveways all across America. In fact, the nonprofit Kids and Cars estimates that 50 children are injured and two killed each week in backup car accidents.
New Safety Rule
To help prevent this type of accident, Congress passed the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007.
In 2010, in compliance with the act, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a proposed rule that would mandate the installation of rearview cameras in all new vehicles for the 2014 model year. However, the final rule has been delayed twice so further research and analysis can be conducted; a final rule is now expected by December 31, 2012.
The NHTSA estimates that back-over accidents cause 292 fatalities and approximately 18,000 injuries every year. According to Bloomberg, the NHTSA estimates that 146 would be saved annually because of rearview cameras.
Back-over car accidents can occur anywhere vehicles are driven and usually harm the most vulnerable among us – according to the NHTSA, 44 percent of fatalities involve children under the age of 5 and 33 percent of fatalities adults over 70. When a vulnerable loved one is injured or lost in a car accident, a personal injury lawsuit can help your family seek compensation for past and future medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses.
While the installation of rearview cameras will likely help save many lives and prevent numerous injuries, cameras will not be able to prevent all accidents. When motor vehicle accidents do occur, speak with an experienced Illinois personal injury attorney about your legal rights.
Contact the Chicago Car Accident Law Firm of Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help Today
For more information, please contact the experienced Chicago car accident lawyers at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys today. We offer free consultations.
We proudly serve Cook County, Will County, Kendall County, and its surrounding areas:
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Chicago Office
10 S La Salle St STE 1230, Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 726-1616
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys – Joliet Office
195 Springfield Ave, Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 726-1616
