Mandatory Back-Up Cameras In Cars Will Reduce Child Fatalities

Just like with airbags and ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes), back-up cameras will soon be a standard feature on every new vehicle. There has been an on-going debate with Congress if back-up cameras are necessary. In our opinion and most folks who have them, the answer is yes. NHTSA (The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) finally issued a ruling earlier this week requiring that rear visibility cameras be standard in all-new vehicles under 10,000 pounds by May 2018. 

"Rear visibility requirements will save lives, and will save many families from the heartache suffered after these tragic incidents occur," said NHTSA Acting Administrator David Friedman. "We're already recommending this kind of life-saving technology through our NCAP (New Car Assessment Program) and encouraging consumers to consider it when buying cars today."

On average, there are 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries per year caused by backover crashes. NHTSA has found that children under 5 years old account for 31 percent of backover fatalities each year, and adults 70 years of age and older account for 26 percent. 

From our personal standpoint, having a backup cameras will also reduce rear collisions too.