Implementation of Backup Camera Mandate Significantly Reduces Pediatric Injuries and Deaths

A federal mandate introduced in 2018 requiring all new vehicles to be equipped with backup cameras has been associated with a substantial decline in severe injuries and fatalities among young children. This research, presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics 2025 National Conference & Exhibition, highlights the critical impact of this safety feature in preventing pediatric backover trauma, which refers to injuries sustained when a vehicle reverses over a pedestrian.

The study involved a retrospective analysis of children under five years old who experienced backover injuries between January 2011 and November 2024. Data were gathered from a major pediatric trauma center, including 71 cases, and supplemented by publicly available injury records of 28 children from nearby counties. The findings revealed that after the 2018 mandate, the annual rate of such incidents dropped to about one-third. The severity of injuries also decreased by nearly half, and the number of reported fatalities was reduced by 78%.

"Our research establishes a strong link between the federally mandated inclusion of backup cameras and a significant reduction in both the rate and severity of pediatric backover injuries," explained Dr. Natalie A. Drucker, an assistant professor of pediatric surgery at UTHealth Houston. Despite these positive outcomes, ongoing incidents highlight the need for further safety measures. Many older vehicles still lack this essential feature, and experts recommend prioritizing and subsidizing backup camera installation on pre-2018 models to enhance child safety.

Backover trauma remains a serious concern, especially for young children, who are disproportionately affected by such accidents. Continued advocacy and safety improvements are vital to protect vulnerable populations and reduce preventable injuries and deaths related to reversing vehicles.