Rule 5: Watch your back.

This van comes with a backup camera, which is new to me, and let me tell you… a whole new world. Ever since I got a rear camera, backing up out of crowded driveways is so much easier. I can clearly see how close I am to random trees or other cars parked nearby as I weave my way down the curvy country gravel driveway or crowded apartment complex lot.

This is part of a series of posts about The Rules of Early Intervention Home Visiting. Read them from the beginning here.

Backover Safety for Early Intervention Providers

I recently go a new mini-van. I LOVE it. I’m such a minivan mom. In fact, I can 100% relate to this parody video of the swagger wagon.

Before my backup camera, I once accidentally hit a ride-on toy while backing out from a home visit. My colleague hit a mailbox. Thankfully, neither incident involved a child. However, the statistics are scary.

In the U.S. at least fifty children are being backed over by vehicles EVERY week.

The predominant age of victims is one year olds. (12-23 months)

Over 60% of backing up incidents involved a larger size vehicle. (truck, van, SUV)

Tragically, in over 70% of these incidents, a parent or close relative is behind the wheel.

https://www.kidsandcars.org/how-kids-get-hurt/backovers

Watch your back to prevent backovers.

Facts

KidsandCars.org Fact sheet

What does this mean for Early Intervention?

Why is this so alarming for early intervention providers? The data reveals that over 70% of these incidents involve a parent or close relative behind the wheel. We serve the most vulnerable population – children aged 0-3. These very young children are forming bonds with us, making it more likely they could be in the vicinity while we’re leaving.

The combination of circumstances in Early Intervention puts us more at risk for backovers.

Toddlers don’t understand. Young children have poor judgment and don’t understand danger zones like driveways.
Toddlers are curious: they may follow a familiar adult outside, unknowingly placing themselves at risk.
Blind Spots: Large vehicles, such as minivans and large SUVs, which are common for early intervention providers, have extensive blind spots, making it easy to miss a small child behind the car.
Routine: Early Intervention providers are constantly coming and going and may become distracted while backing up with our minds thinking of the next home visit.

Taking Action: Protecting Our Clients

While these statistics are alarming, they don’t have to be our reality. Here are some practical steps early intervention providers can take to ensure the safety of young children:

Park so that you can drive forward to leave if you can.
Spread Awareness: Educate families about backover dangers and let them know you’ll be extra cautious while leaving.
Make sure no one escapes from the house when you leave.
Walk around: double-check your surroundings before backing up by doing a walk around, especially in driveways.
Headcount: If the family follows you outside to say goodbye, do a head count and make sure you can see each child before you back up.
Use the Rear camera if you have one.

By taking these steps, we can turn the tide on backover tragedies. Every child deserves a safe environment to grow, and Early Intervention providers can play a crucial role in making that happen.

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