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Vehicles reversing or rolling backwards: an underestimated hazard

¹ Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 34, A–8036 Graz, Austria
² Steyr-Daimler-Puch Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co, Vehicle Safety Engineering, Magna Company, Graz
³ Department of Radiology, Division of Pediatric Radiology, University of Graz
⁴ Department of Medical Statistics, University of Graz
⁵ Centre for Health Information and Promotion, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada

Correspondence to:
Dr Mayr
johannes.mayr{at}kfunigraz.ac.at

Abstract
Objectives—A retrospective analysis of injuries caused by vehicles that were reversing or rolling backwards to establish guidelines for prevention was performed.

Patients and methods—Medical records and questionnaires completed by parents for 32 children admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graz, within the past eight years, were analysed.

Results—The median age was 2.1 years (1.0–14.0 years). Fourteen of 32 of the cars were driven by family members (43.8%); three were rolling backwards without a driver (9.4%). The median injury severity score was 3 (1–27) and the most common injuries were contusions (40.6%), fractures (31.3%), and lacerations/burns (21.9%). Most incidents occurred in driveways (37.5%) or farmyards (21.9%). Altogether 70.3% of children sustained "run-over" injuries, 29.6% were hit by the rear bumper or injured by a breaking window.

Conclusions—Toddlers playing in driveways or farmyards are at risk of a injury caused by reversing vehicles/vehicles rolling backwards.

Keywords: driveway; farmyard; pedestrian; reversing car

This article has been cited by other articles:

				T. Thinakararajan and N. Buxton Reversing motor vehicle injuries: a preventable tragedy J R Soc Med, April 1, 2008; 101(4): 163 - 164. [Full Text] [PDF]