Citation

Paine M, Macbeth A, Henderson M. Proc. Int. Tech. Conf. Enhanced Safety Vehicles 2003; 2003: 11 p..

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, In public domain, Publisher National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

There is increasing concern about accidents involving young children being run over by slow moving vehicles, particularly in private driveways. The Motor Accidents Authority of New South Wales coordinated and funded the initial investigations into this problem. Measurement of the rearward field of view for a range of popular passenger vehicles revealed most had a very poor view of objects the size of toddlers behind the vehicle. This was the case with conventional sedans as well as sport utility vehicles that are generally over-represented in this type of accident. Two vehicle-related countermeasures were examined: proximity sensors that warn the driver when an object is behind the vehicle and visual aids such as video cameras. Theoretical analysis shows that, in order to be able to stop in time, the reversing speed in kilometres per hour should be no more than twice the detection distance in metres. Proximity sensors that are designed as a parking aid have a typical detection distance of 1.5m and so the maximum reversing speed is 3km/h. This is likely to be too slow for typical driveway situations but, with simple technology, longer detection distances are likely to be associated with too many false alarms. Initial results suggest a combination of proximity sensors and video camera would provide the best assistance to the driver although the technology is improving rapidly and other solutions are possible. A method of assessing and rating the rearward field of view of vehicles has been developed by the Insurance Australia Group and the results for popular vehicles in Australia are presented.