Bills under consideration in the U.S. Senate and House would require visibility standards for all cars, SUVs and light trucks to prevent accidents involving small children in driveways and parking lots.
According to a report in the May / June 2007 issue of Public Citizen News, as of May 7th, 2007, there have been 235 non-traffic motor vehicle accidents reported this year, involving a total of 261 children, and 77 child fatalities.
A Senate Bill under consideration, named The Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act of 2007, would require the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to devise a rear visibility standard for automakers, as well as require manufacturers to install technology that would make brake pedals be fully depressed before vehicles could shift into gear. It would also force manufacturers to install technology that would automatically retract a power window when sensors detect an obstruction.
Data concerning non-traffic automobile injuries has recently become more available, due to the passage of the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act. The law required the NHTSA to begin compiling statistics concerning child injuries in driveways and other off-road locations.
If you or a family member believes that you have a case involving an automobile accident, please contact us on-line at Regan Zambri & Long or call us at (202) 463-3030 for a free consultation. If you would like to receive our complimentary electronic newsletter, please click here.