NHTSA Holds Public Hearing on Rear-View Visibility
In December 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposed a landmark rear-view visibility rule to eliminate blind zones and protect pedestrians, particularly small children and the elderly. On March 11th NHTSA held a technical workshop to discuss technical issues relevant to the test procedure described in the proposed rule. Additionally, a public hearing on March 23 was held to bring together government policymakers, victims, industry representatives, and public interest groups to discuss the agency's rear-view visibility proposal.
"Every year, nearly 300 people are killed and 18,000 more are injured when someone, often a parent or grandparent, backs over them," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "To put an end to these tragedies, we have proposed a new safety rule and are seeking further public feedback."
"Safety is our top priority and the steps we are proposing, with the public's help and input, will reduce back-over fatalities and injuries not only to children, but to the elderly, and other pedestrians," Administrator Strickland said.
