King & Clinton Call for Safety Improvements in Cars, SUVs
Announce Introduction of Legislation to Prevent Injuries and Fatalities

February 27, 2007

For Immediate Release                     
Contact Kevin Fogarty or Carol Danko
202-225-7896

WASHINGTON – Congressman Peter King (R-Seaford) joined Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) to announce the introduction of the “Cameron Gulbransen Kids and Cars Safety Act of 2007,” named in memory of a backover victim from Long Island.  This legislation would require automobile manufacturers to make technology standard on all vehicles to allow drivers to detect a person behind them when backing up, as well as require that power windows automatically reverse direction when they detect an obstruction.

In 2006, almost 600 children were victims of non-traffic incidents, 219 ending in death. Half of all fatalities from these incidents are from accidental backovers, caused by a lack of rear visibility. In addition, roughly 50 children are backed over by vehicles every week.

“I can’t imagine a more horrible way for a parent to lose a child,” said King. “The loss of one child is a terrible tragedy, but the loss of hundreds of children year after year is inexcusable. We have the technology to prevent these unfortunate accidents. At this point, there is no reason that it shouldn’t be a standard feature in all new vehicles.”

King first introduced this legislation in 2003, after 2-year old Cameron Gulbransen became the victim of a backover in his Long Island driveway while his father was backing up the car. Since this incident, King, with support of the Kids and Cars Organization and the Consumer’s Union, has fought for this legislation to become law.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass this important bill,” said King. “It is tragic to lose one child to a preventable incident; however it is more disturbing that Congress has stalled for so long on an opportunity to save hundreds.” 

###