The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may soon require all new
passenger vehicles be equipped with a means for alerting the driver if a child is behind
the vehicle when it is being backed-up. The law is intended to protect children from
injuries or death in non-traffic vehicle incidents. While all passenger vehicles are
involved in backover accidents, the NHTSA has found that some vehicles, such as pickups and
SUVs, have a higher rate of incidents. Drivers of all vehicles should make a concerted
effort to ensure the area behind is clear before reversing, including the use of a second
person to direct the driver while backing.
