Human Factors Design Considerations in Automobile Backing Accidents Involving Children

Abstract

In 2003 there were a minimum of 93 children killed in the U.S. by backing cars. Most of these accidents involved children aged less than 5 years, in residential driveways, with a parent or relative driving an SUV, light truck or van. Rear facing sensors and cameras can aid drivers to detect objects and children behind vehicles. Our analyses suggest that sensors should have a range of at least 2.2 m and must have low false alarm rates. Camera systems basically overcome the problems of false alarms but do not provide guidance once the driver looks away from the display to the rear. Information about the behavior of long-term users of these systems is lacking. Also, there is insufficient information of the variables in backing collisions into children. Until more information is obtained it is difficult to design the most effective systems.