When automobile manufacturers began implementing “backup camera technology” into vehicles a few years ago most people marveled at the latest advance on our already quite impressive in-car experience. However, most people probably did not realize the tremendous safety implications, and even fewer, likely would have the guessed the technology may become mandatory on all cars.
Well that once far-fetched reality seems to be exactly what is happening. Drawing on recent studies, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has decided to mandate that the majority of new cars, minivans, and SUVs in the United States must have backup cameras installed by 2018. Originally NHTSA had only recommended the cameras, but after reconsideration, decided to make it a formal rule that manufacturers had to follow. According to the NHTSA the safety benefits far outweigh the costs, which the agency estimates at about $140 per unit.
The NHTSA ruling comes on the heels of a comprehensive study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). IIHS concluded that backup cameras are superior to parking sensor technology using radar. Also, Consumer Reports released data showing approximately 300 people are killed and 18,000 suffer injuries annually as a consequence of drivers backing up without being able to properly see behind them. The dangers of these “back-over” accidents are particularly acute for children who are often unseen and unaware of the risks that drivers may be negligent in backing up. Overall, this is a positive development as no one-child or otherwise-should become the victim of driver negligence if there are practical ways to avoid it.