South Australia’s motoring group wants more cars fitted with reversing sensors to help save lives

The Royal Automobile Association (RAA) said blind spots in the rear of many modern vehicles meant some drivers were reversing as if they had both eyes shut.

The RAA said Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show on average one child every week is the victim of a driveway accident in Australia, with many sustaining serious or fatal injuries.

“Often the car is driven by someone they know – a parent, sibling or family friend – and the trauma that results following this type of collision affects the entire family, in addition to the injury or sudden death of the child,” the RAA said.

However, technical services manager Mark Borlace said reversing sensors, which warned drivers of obstacles behind the car with a series of beeps, could address the issue.

Mr Borlace said the RAA was keen to have them fitted to more vehicles.

“Obviously you have a very clear advantage if you know there’s an obstacle directly behind you,” he said.

“It takes the guesswork out of reversing the car and the safety implications for pedestrians are enormous.”

To help more car buyers fit reversing sensors, the RAA is supporting the free installation of sensors on cars bought from selected Adelaide dealerships on Saturday.