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On July 31, 2015, a one-year-old Fort Myers girl was injured when a truck driven by a relative backed over her arm. NBC2 reported that the truck driver was backing his truck out of the driveway when the girl ran behind the truck and fell while he was backing up.

KidsandCars.org reports that in the United States at least 50 children are being backed over by vehicles every week. Of these 50 children, 48 are treated at hospital emergency rooms and at least 2 children are fatally injured. Most of the victims of back-over accidents are one-year-olds, and over 60 percent of these accidents involve larger sized vehicles.

What are the common causes of back-over accidents?

Safety.com reports in "Backing Up Dangers" that there are several reasons for the frequency of backing accidents. Most of these reasons, it says, are related to inattentiveness. Drivers may fail to exercise as much caution as usual because they will be backing up slowly and not very far. Occasionally, drivers who are backing up are in a hurry to get someplace else and may be preoccupied. Drivers often fail to check the area before backing up and use mirrors that offer a limited view.

There are significant blind spots for drivers. These blind spots become particularly critical when backing up. They are the area behind the vehicle where a person sitting in the driver's seat cannot see. Blind spots obscure children, pets, and other obstacles. The more popular larger vehicles such as SUVs, pickups, and minivans have even larger blind spots than passenger cars. Consumer Reports in 2012 reported that vehicle design trends have led to thicker pillars, high rear decks, and short rear glass. These design trends make driving and seeing even more difficult.

What can be done to prevent back-over accidents?

In March 2014 NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) issued a final rule requiring rear visibility technology in all new vehicles, including buses and trucks, under 10,000 pounds by May 1, 2018. The rear visibility technology is to expand the field of view to enable the driver of a motor vehicle to detect areas behind the vehicle.

Tips from NHTSA to help prevent back-over accidents -

• Check your vehicle before driving: Always walk around your car and check the area around it before reversing.
• Be aware of children: Know that the smaller a child, the more likely it is you will not see the child.
• Teach kids to move away from a vehicle: They can do this when a driver gets in it or if the car is started.
• Have kids stand to the side of the driveway or sidewalk, so you can see them as you’re reversing.
• Look behind: Make sure to look behind as you are reversing in case a child dashes behind your vehicle.
• Actively check your mirrors: Do this while reversing, as children can move unpredictably.
• Large vehicles have larger blind spots: Take extra care, as trucks and SUVs have bigger blind zones.
• Keep toys and bicycles out of the driveway: This will prevent your children from playing in the danger zone. Teach your children to do the same.

"Back-over accidents are tragic. If you or a family member has been injured in a vehicle accident, please contact us," says Naples Back-Over Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.

Naples Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.