Vehicle incidents are the #1 killer of children in the United States
Preventing children from being run over by vehicles moving forward
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Every year, thousands of children are hurt or killed because a driver moving forward very slowly didn't see them. These incidents for the most part take place in driveways or parking lots and are referred to as 'frontovers' (the opposite of a backover).
Currently, there is a blindzone in front of all vehicles where the driver cannot see a small child or pet. Frontovers happen when a parked car begins to pull forward slowly and runs over someone.
As SUVs and pickup trucks have grown in size, so have their front blind zones. Larger vehicles with higher hoods and more vertical front ends pose a greater risk to pedestrians, especially children.
Always walk around your vehicle before moving it, especially in driveways.
Be aware of your vehicle's front blind zone and account for it when moving forward.
Make sure children are supervised and in a safe place before moving your vehicle.
Use front-facing cameras and sensors if your vehicle has them.
Keep play areas separate from driveways with physical barriers.
Move very slowly when pulling forward, especially near children.
Backup cameras are now required in vehicles, but there is no technology required to prevent frontovers. Front sensors and automatic braking technology can be added to vehicles to detect the presence of someone in front of a vehicle.
Kids and Car Safety is working with Congress and other safety agencies to raise awareness and work towards eliminating these predictable and preventable tragedies.
Research shows that bigger, taller vehicles are more dangerous to pedestrians. Vehicles with higher, more vertical front ends pose a greater risk because:
Kids and Car Safety advocates for legislation requiring automakers to implement front blind zone detection technology. Some proposed solutions include:
Support our efforts to require front blind zone technology in all vehicles.
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