This Week's Column: Backing Over Kids
It happens an estimated 2,500 times every year. Children between the age of 1 and 14 suffer serious injury when passing behind a vehicle as the driver hits reverse.
They'll often run through a car's blind spot. Sometimes kids pedal their bicycles or tricycles into the path of the vehicle's rear tire.
And half of all victims haven't reached the age of 5.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published statistics late last month in a weekly report that spotlights health and safety trends. The numbers cited were only reported cases, for the CDC said it has no way of knowing true numbers.
"Back overs" are a growing problem. Safety advocates argue the proliferation of SUVs on roads everywhere has been the strongest reason for the increase, dating back to the late 1990s.
And just this week, U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, an Ohio Republican, introduced legislation to require government collection of such data. Similar legislative efforts failed last year.
As it stands now, the nonprofit Kids and Cars organization is one of only a few groups attempting to track the prevalence of motor vehicle back overs.
Janette Fennell leads the Kansas-based organization. Her group spearheaded efforts for mandatory installation of interior trunk releases.
"We find it hard to believe that of all the things regulated on our vehicles, there is no standard that says what you should be able to see when you're backing a vehicle," she said. "That's how we got into this problem — not that anyone did anything on purpose, but as cars got wider and longer, the blind spot got bigger."
One local driver said she's noticed the change herself.
Anita Deslauriers of Greensboro, who once owned a sedan, said she's never had a close call with her Chevrolet Suburban — but she also takes steps to prevent tragedy.
Blind spots? "A lot of them," she said right away. "I would think I could easily run them over if there wasn't someone else watching out."
When she's behind the wheel, Deslauriers said, her husband keeps an eye on their three kids, and vice versa. Sometimes she'll ask her oldest son to keep watch.
That's the exact advice proffered by safety groups. Kids and Cars (www.kidsandcars.org) listed additional tips to prevent injury or, worse, death:
• Circle your vehicle before moving it.
• Make sure you can see where all of your children are located before moving the vehicle.
• "Parked" vehicles might move. Teach your kids that.
• Consider installing cross view mirrors, audible collision detectors, rear view video camera and/or some type of back up detection device.
• Inclines and large SUVs, vans and trucks make it more difficult to see what's behind the vehicle.
• Teach children never to play in, around or behind a vehicle.
• Don't allow toys and sports equipment on the driveway.
"Everyone will tell you the worst thing is the death of a child. On top of that, in many cases, it's a parent or relative backing over children," Fennell said. "We as a country really need to get on this quickly, or we’re going to lose so many more children.
"Kids do not have to die this way."
School Zones
Ernie Schiller of Greensboro asked me two questions about the school zone along Benjamin Parkway near Grimsley High and Kiser Middle schools.
"I don't see the school zone electric signs flashing very often, and I frequently drive through there between 7 and 8:30 a.m.," he said. "So I'm not sure of the timing of those school zone signs.
"But … as you come north on Elam from Wesley Long toward Benjamin Parkway, you pull onto the road in the middle of a school zone and have no idea it is a school zone, nor whether the school zone speed limit is enforced at that time or not.
"There's nothing to inform you on Elam that all of Benjamin Parkway is a school zone along there. If you can get anybody to comment on that, I would appreciate it."
The Greensboro Department of Transportation provided some answers.
"All school flashers are set to the bell schedule of that particular school," Kevin Elwood stated in an e-mail message. "In the case of area we are speaking of, there are several schools there, so the signals are set to the following:
"Benjamin Parkway signal – Kiser School.
"Westover Terrace signal – Brooks and Grimsley schools."
As for North Elam Avenue signs? I found a speed limit notice posted to the right of the road as you approach Benjamin Parkway.
"School" is blazoned across the top, black letters on top a neon yellow background. Look below the posted 25 mph limit for the times that speed is enforced on schools days.
In the morning: 8:15 to 9 a.m.
In the afternoon: 3:30 to 4:15 p.m.
Final thoughts
John & Stephanie Robinson of Greensboro e-mailed following last week's feature on personalized license plates.
"What a compliment to read the paper this morning and find out that my vanity plate is one of your 'favorites.' I own the mini-van with the GOLF=NO$ plate.
"We have gotten a lot of comments from people about that plate. One Golfer actually bumped into my car at a stoplight because he was admiring the plate and didn’t realize his car had started to roll.
"Needless to say my husband is a golf lover and the plate was my idea. The plate sums up my feelings about the sport."
When I asked permission to run their comments, Stephanie replied:
"You can look for our other car also. The plate on it reads 'LATE FOR TEE.' If that car flies past you on Battleground, it's John late for golf!"
Fast Forward runs every Saturday. Got questions you want answered or need to vent about transportation issues? Send 'em my way at 373-7008 or etownsend@news-record.com. Be sure to leave your name and a way for me to get in touch