Parents of children killed in backover incidents and safety groups met today at Capitol Hill with Republican Representative Jan Schakowsky from Illinois and Democratic Representative Peter King from New York to make their case for why the U.S. needs to release a rear visibility rule for all cars.
Click here to read the official press release issued today about the meeting.
"It is clear from so many other actions that President Obama has the safety of our children as a top priority. We urge the President to take one simple step today and issue the rear visibility rule. These unacceptable and unnecessary deaths and injuries from backover incidents must stop," said Janette Fennell, president, KidsAndCars.org in a press statement.
In the U.S. approximately 50 children are backed over by a motor vehicle every week according to a study released this month. Of those children, 48 are treated at hospitals, while two children die every week.
Thousands of parents around the country are hoping the Obama administration considers releasing the safety rule as it should have been issued back in Feb. 2011. The Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act signed into law by President George W. Bush in February 2008.
"This law had the support of the auto industry, the safety community and families. We have inexpensive and effective technological solutions, consumer support, and now we need government action. President Obama was a co-sponsor of the legislation while serving in the Senate and now as our leader he needs to issue the required rule," said Jackie Gillan, president, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety during the meeting.
In approximately 70 percent of backover incidents, the person behind the wheel vehicle is a parent or close relative.
Every year 228 deaths and 17,000 injuries occur in the U.S. due to backover incidents according to the press release. While the technology to make sure all vehicles have rearview cameras exist, and are inexpensive, older vehicles don't have them making young children an easy target if they happen to be behind a moving vehicle.
"Rearview cameras are available and affordable. Many auto manufacturers are making them standard equipment on new makes and models," said Joan Claybrook , president emeritus, Public Citizen and former Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Rearview cameras as standard equipment will save lives and save consumers hundreds of dollars in potential repair costs when they can actually see when backing up. Every day of delay costs consumers and puts children at risk."
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