NHTSA invites public feedback on landmark proposed rear-view visibility rule

Abigail Dahlen, of Birmingham, Alabama, was just 2 years old when she went to retrieve a tennis ball in her neighbor's driveway.  At the same moment, her neighbor was backing up in his SUV, headed out to pick up a pizza.  Unable to spot the small child in his vehicle's path, the driver struck and killed Abigail. 

Patrick Ivison, of San Diego, California, was just 14-months old when he and his mother were walking behind a car. The driver put his car in reverse, backed over Patrick, and trapped him underneath. Now 16 years old, he’s still paralyzed from the chest down.

Patrick, Abigail's mother Brandy, and several other families affected by these tragic back-over accidents spoke at a hearing yesterday about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s proposed new rear-view visibility rule where we asked the public to tell us what they think.

“I’m not here today to complain about my life. I survived an accident that many others didn't.  I am here to honor those children that didn't survive. I want to speak on their behalf so that the world understands that it's impossible to avoid hitting something you cannot see," said Patrick, who is an active athlete, participating in hand-cycling and even surfing.

The proposed rear-view visibility rule would eliminate blind zones as part of a landmark effort to prevent cars from backing over pedestrians. On average, there are nearly 300 fatalities and 18,000 injuries a year. A disproportionate number are toddlers and the elderly. We believe this rule can help save lives and prevent thousands of injuries every year.

The proposed rule follows the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007, which directed NHTSA to amend rear-view visibility standards.  One of the worst things about these back-over accidents is that it often involves parents backing up over their own children in the family driveway.

The act was named for Cameron Gulbransen, who was just 2 years old when his father, a pediatrician, got in his car, backed up, and killed his son.

The courage and strength of Patrick Ivison, Greg Gulbransen, Brandy Dahlen, and all the other families who spoke at NHTSA’s hearing Wednesday is truly inspiring. I want to thank them for sharing their stories in an effort to save the lives of others.

And just because the hearing has already taken place does not mean it's too late for you to weigh in.  We welcome your feedback on this important safety rule.

Cameron Gulbransen

Comments

[RFD]

I believe that the newest standards at Ford: for stopping distance, data records, electronic controls (according to the New York Times 2010) as well as Ford MyKey, Rear View Camera System, Integrated Spotting Mirrorss and Active Parking Assist--should be the standard for ALL cars produced in the U.S. There can't be cuts in transportation. It's the most important activity one has to do where risk is involved. Nothing more important to society than having safe cars, well-trained drivers and safe streets and highways. It's the most dangerous form of transportation. Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist and automatic brake intervention have to be the norm today, as in Mercedes-Benz. Old cars should be traded for new ones and the old sold abroad where roads are safer.

[Christopher Augeri]

If the technology were available when cars/trucks were first built I have no doubt we never would have developed the condition that it is ok to drive blind. That is exactly what we are doing both via passenger and commercial vehicles when we back up.

My son was killed after being backed over by a dump truck while working in a work zone. I am working with New Hampshire Legislators toward the passage of a law in this area.

www.Robslaw.org

Thank you for the work,

Chris Augeri
robslaw@comcast.net

[Backup Camera System]

Wow Chris I truly sympathize with your tragedy, and with those other families affected by horrible accidents like these. For something like this, where the victims are helpless young children and animals, i think its almost inhumane to complain about extra costs. If a backup camera eliminates blind spots and can help save lives, it should be made mandatory in my opinion. Thanks for the post, and keep up the good work.

[Bob Parsons]

As a part of the rule, make it mandatory that the display shows the rear view IMMEDIATELY when the car is shifted into reverse.

I drive a 2012 Toyota Highlander which has a rear-view camera. However, when you start the car and shift into reverse, the display shows a fake, gratuitous animation saying "System Check" which was put there by marketing people and serves no useful purpose.

I can start the car and back completely out of the garage before the fake "System Check" movie stops and the view switches to the camera.

PLEASE MAKE IT MANDATORY FOR THE CAMERA TO TURN ON IMMEDIATELY when placed in reverse, or manufacturers will comply with the letter of the law only. Toyota and others will put in gee-whiz movies instead of showing the rear view when it is needed, and kids will continue to get run over.