Kids & Cars: A Deadly Combination | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Fresno, CA The national organization "Kids and Cars" claims 50 kids are backed over every week in the U.S. and two of them die every week. The statistic has hit very close to home in the Valley this week.

A lot of newer vehicles come with sensors or cameras like that appear when you put the car in reverse, but experts say you shouldn't rely on them 100% when you're backing up.

Investigators said the aunt in Madera that ran over the 2-year-old did have a camera in her vehicle, but she still couldn't see the child.

Action News asked the CHP for some expert advice about how to prevent these driveway deaths. Officer Michael Salas said sensors and cameras are helpful, but you still need to be vigilant.

What makes these accidents even more tragic is that 70% of the time it's a loved one, a direct relative that backs over the child. Drivers can also get nervous and hit accelerator instead of the brakes.

Investigators said 2-year-old Karen Cano from Madera slipped outside to say goodbye to her aunt. There's a name for this, "bye bye syndrome," where a child, usually very young runs out to give a goodbye kiss and is run over.

Another mother in Mendota backed over her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter. The son died and the daughter is in critical condition.