How vehicle blind zones are endangering children’s lives

Some drivers may prefer large SUVs and trucks for recreational or hauling purposes. Others might like the aesthetic and shape of a vehicle that is taller than the average. However, these vehicles with massive frames can have more significant frontal blind zones, posing different safety risks. These blind spots can be big enough to hide a toddler standing still in front of the vehicle, making them invisible to the unsuspecting driver behind the wheel.

How often do these accidents happen?

Any driver may feel like these accidents seem unlikely, but the chances of them occurring are too high for comfort. From 2016 to 2020 alone, around 744 children died because of these incidents. Most of these accidents happened in driveways or parking lots.

The drivers were not speeding or operating the vehicle while intoxicated. They simply could not see the children near the vehicle because they were in blind spots.

Addressing blind zones on SUVs, trucks and other large vehicles

Auto manufacturers and legislators acknowledge how dangerous this issue is, considering the risk of fatality is high. Having practical safety features, such as front and back cameras, can help address these blind zones. However, there is no assurance that all vehicles have these features.

It can be comforting to know that industry leaders have these dangers in mind when designing better vehicles. Still, older models without these features will always be on public roads.

These fatal accidents can be preventable

As more developments roll out improved auto safety features, it is up to drivers and other adults to pay close attention to children when they are around dangerous vehicles. These incidents are preventable if the adults take preventative measures, such as checking blind spots before starting the engine or keeping the children away from vehicles moving in and out of driveways. Children can also learn these safety practices and take them into adulthood, helping them grow into responsible drivers in the future.

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