ENGLEWOOD – A tragic back-over accident claimed the life of a 71-year-old Englewood man on Friday afternoon in Englewood Florida, highlighting the often-overlooked dangers of reversing vehicles.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:10 PM at a private residence on Edwards Street. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident happened when the man was reversing his 2013 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck out of a driveway. After crossing Edwards Street, the driver experienced difficulty shifting the truck from reverse into drive and managed to put the vehicle into neutral instead.

The driver exited the truck and crawled underneath in an attempt to address the issue. Tragically, the truck began rolling backward. The passenger, a 53-year-old man from Englewood, was unable to exit the vehicle in time to apply the brakes, and the truck rolled over the driver. The vehicle eventually came to a stop in a ditch, with the driver pinned beneath it.

Emergency responders pronounced the man deceased at the scene. The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of this accident.

Back-Over Accidents Are An Under-Rated Danger

Back-over accidents, like the one described above, are particularly devastating because they often occur in familiar settings like driveways or parking lots, and they frequently involve friends or family members of the vehicle owner. These accidents are more common than many realize and can lead to life-altering injuries or fatalities.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• Back-over accidents result in an average of 200 fatalities and 12,000 injuries annually in the United States.
• Children under five and adults over 70 are the most common victims.
• The majority of these accidents occur in residential areas or driveways.

Tips to Prevent Back-Over Accidents:

1. Always check around your vehicle before reversing. Walk around the car to ensure no one is behind it.
2. Use your mirrors and backup cameras. If your vehicle is equipped with a rearview camera, use it, but don’t rely solely on it.
3. Stay vigilant. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in areas where children or pedestrians may be present.
4. Teach others about the dangers of back-over accidents. Inform family members and friends about the importance of safety when reversing vehicles.
5. Never leave a vehicle running unattended. Ensure your car is securely in park before exiting.

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