Backing Up Safely: How to Prevent Accidents in Arizona

Backing up a vehicle may seem like a simple maneuver, but it accounts for a significant number of accidents each year, with children under five years old as the most common victims. 

According to Kids and Car Safety, 50 children in the U.S. are backed over EVERY WEEK because a driver couldn’t see them. In 2015, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 284 fatalities and 12,000 injuries occurred because of backover accidents. 

As a state, Arizona has not fared much better. From 1990-2023, Kids and Car Safety reports 44 children died in the Grand Canyon State from vehicles that backed over them by accident. 

Whether you’re navigating crowded parking lots or residential neighborhoods, the potential for backover accidents is more common than you might think. 

Why Do Backing Up Accidents Happen?

Backing up accidents typically occur when drivers fail to notice obstacles or people behind their vehicles. Unlike driving forward, backing up involves limited visibility and reduced reaction time, increasing the risk of collisions. Here are some scenarios where these accidents frequently occur:

  • Blind spots: Every vehicle has a blind zone, which is the area behind, on the sides and in front of a vehicle where the driver cannot see even when looking back and using their rear and side view mirrors correctly. Over 60% of backover accidents involve a larger vehicle (truck, van or SUV).
  • Parking lots: Congested parking lots in malls, grocery stores, and schools are hotspots for backing-up accidents. Drivers reversing out of parking spaces may miss pedestrians or other vehicles crossing their path.
  • Residential driveways: Tragically, many backover incidents occur in driveways when children playing nearby are not visible to the driver.
  • Busy streets: On Arizona’s busy streets, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, drivers backing out of angled parking spaces face challenges due to passing traffic.

Common Causes of Backing-Up Accidents

Arizona’s unique environment contributes to some of the most common reasons drivers have backing up accidents. The hot weather often leads to glare from the sun, which can impair visibility during the day. Plus, the scenic desert landscapes attract millions of tourists annually, increasing pedestrian traffic in popular areas. The common causes that affect all drivers, regardless of area, include:

  • A momentary distraction, such as checking a phone or adjusting the radio, can lead to catastrophic consequences while reversing.
  • Failing to use mirrors, backup cameras, or perform a full shoulder check often results in drivers missing obstacles.
  • Backing up too quickly reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of a collision.
  • Backing up in dimly lit areas, such as parking garages or at night, can obscure hazards.
  • Navigating unfamiliar locations can increase the chances of errors.
  • Over-relying on technology. While backup cameras and sensors are helpful, depending solely on them without manual checks can lead to accidents.

How to Back Up Safely: Tips for Drivers

Staying vigilant in residential neighborhoods is crucial. With many families enjoying outdoor activities year-round, children are often playing near driveways. Installing driveway mirrors or bollards can help improve visibility and create safer environments. Here are more practical tips to keep yourself and others safe:

  1. Make full use of your side and rearview mirrors and any backup cameras your vehicle may have. 
  2. Before entering your vehicle, especially in driveways or parking lots, walk around your car to check for obstacles, children, or pets.
  3. Always back up at a slow and controlled speed, giving yourself time to react to unexpected obstacles.
  4. Turn your head to check blind spots in addition to using mirrors. This ensures no hidden dangers are missed.
  5. Driveways and residential neighborhoods require heightened awareness, as children playing nearby may not be easily seen.
  6. Stay focused and avoid distractions like texting, eating, or adjusting in-car settings while backing up.
  7. Whenever possible, pull through or back into parking spaces so that you can exit going forward, reducing the need to reverse.
  8. Many newer vehicles come equipped with sensors, alarms, and automatic braking systems designed to prevent backover accidents. Familiarize yourself with these features and use them as an additional safety measure.

Do Your Part to Keep Kids Safe

Backing-up accidents are preventable, yet they remain a significant safety concern in Arizona and across the nation. By understanding the risks and adopting safe driving practices, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones, and others in our communities.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident involving a car and you wish to discuss the specifics of your case in a free consultation with an experienced Tucson personal injury lawyer, please contact us today.