NHTSA proposes mandatory backup cameras by 2014

[Revoh]

U.S. auto-safety regulators proposed requiring backup cameras on all new vehicles by 2014, under a rule released today intended to prevent drivers from backing over pedestrians.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which published the proposed rule, said an average of 292 people die each year from back-over accidents, which primarily kill children and the elderly.


Read more: www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101203/OEM06/101209912/1143#ixzz174MvElLS

Seems like a pretty big expense to add to the price of a new Aveo. It would certainly be horrible to back over someone, but out of those 292 people (which is luckily a small number), they probably aren't all brand-new cars anyway. I'd be surprised if this makes it.

[96black]

Yah, but some clueless dolts could still be texting and forget to LOOK AT the camera. Even MORE valuable would be a mandatory radio cutoff and sensor with audible buzzer the instant you put it in Reverse.

[shamu]

I like my wifes back up alert that tells you that you are close to something. It goes off when in reverse and someone is standing back there.

[stonebreaker]

I think a better solution would be to require backing a trailer as part of passing the driver's test.

[JD in KC]

Dec 17, 2010 23:47:15 GMT -6 stonebreaker said:

I think a better solution would be to require backing a trailer as part of passing the driver's test.

Well, that would certainly thin out traffic! ;D

[Erik]

Indeed it would.