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Don't back up. According to KidsAndCars.org, a nonprofit group that works to improve child safety around cars, backovers account for more child fatalities—44 percent—than any other non-traffic related accident. A contributing factor: the larger vehicles (SUVs, pickups, and minivans) popular among families with children have larger blind zones than passenger cars. A blind zone is the area behind a vehicle that a person can't see from the driver's seat.
If you can't avoid backing up and your car isn't equipped with a rear-view camera, your best defense against backover accidents is to get out of your vehicle and check behind it just before you put it in reverse. If kids are nearby, make sure you can see them while backing up. NHTSA offers more advice on preventing backovers. Check if your vehicle is on our list of best and worst rear blind zones.
We've also got buying advice for car backup video cameras.
Exit on the right. Always discharge young passengers on the right side of your vehicle and watch them walk safely to the sidewalk.
Follow the rules. Become familiar with the traffic pattern at your child's school. Know where to enter and exit safely and obey all signage.
Put down that cell phone. Avoid using all driver distractions such as cell phones, GPS devices, and even drinking that cup of morning Joe.
Learn more about car safety and see our guide to kids and car safety.
Have you read our previous posts on school safety? Tune in tomorrow: clothing safety
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