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Virginia Legal News

New federal regulations aim to reduce back-up accidents


Posted on Dec 29, 2010

Low-speed back-up accidents – which disproportionately affect children and the elderly – are the subject of recently proposed federal regulations.  The regulations, issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, target vehicles up to 10,000 pounds.  This includes passenger cars, minivans, pickup trucks, and other vehicles that are under the weight limit.

 

The regulations would expand the field of vision for all affected vehicles so drivers can see what is behind them when their transmission is in reverse.  To meet requirements, auto makers would have to ensure that 10 percent of new vehicles meet the regulations by 09/2012, 40 percent meet the regulations by 09/2013, and 100 percent by 09/2014.

 

Auto manufacturers can meet this requirement can be met by installing rear-mounted backup cameras on their vehicles.  According to NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, "The steps we are taking today will help reduce back-over fatalities and injuries not only to children, but to the elderly, and other pedestrians.”

 

These regulations are hoped to save the lives of over 290 people killed every year by back-up accidents and protect another 18,000 who are injured.  Children and the elderly will be helped the most, as 77 percent of back-up accidents involve children under the age of five and adults over the age of 70.

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