NHTSA Set To Mandate Rear View Cameras On All Cars By 2014

On average, two children die and about 50 are injured every week when someone accidentally backs over them in a vehicle, according to KidsAndCars.org, a nonprofit group that pushed the government to begin tracking such tragedies. And more than two-thirds of the time, a parent or other close relative is behind the wheel.

Now, auto safety regulators have decided to do something about it. Federal regulators plan to announce this week that automakers will be required to put rearview cameras in all passenger vehicles by 2014 to help drivers see what is behind them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which proposed the mandate in late 2010, is expected to send a final version of the rule to Congress on Wednesday.



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atc98092 - 2/28/2012 6:16:10 PM

+1 Boost

Since they can use the version that uses the rear view mirror, rather than requiring a screen in the dash, it can probably be done for minimal cost. Of course, that cost will still be passed on the the buyer. Personally, I like having the camera in my Tiguan.

bjones682001 - 2/28/2012 9:55:07 PM

+2 Boost

I like backup cameras, but it's just more rules the government uses to tell us what we have to buy. We've survived quite a few years without them, and using your existing mirrors, looking behind you when you get in, and a little common sense goes a long way. But now the government can tell us what we have to do when we put our cars in reverse. Great. Just like I'm not smart enough or too lazy to check my tire pressure.

85bmw745i - 2/28/2012 10:43:22 PM

+2 Boost

Wow how did we ever make it without backup cameras? all this BS is mandated to accomodate stupid people. Same reason you buy paint thinner and it says do not drink. Same reason preparation H has a warning label that says do not eat!

SteedPub - 2/29/2012 8:42:44 AM

+3 Boost

Having used these in various cars I'm still not convinced they are safer to use. They tend to grab your attention to the screen and keep you from your instinctive way of looking around in other directions also.

vdiv - 2/29/2012 10:42:50 AM

+1 Boost

I though the mandate was for 2013. Be as it may when driving trucks/SUVs or most cars these days with tiny rear-view windows and mirrors the backup camera is a life-saver literally and figuratively. Avoiding a dinged bumper and a shattered rear window pays for the camera and then some. It's extremely helpful when backing into a spot or parallel parking.

So basically y'all are protesting a mandate that makes sense just because you think all gov't mandates are bad. Does any of you have kids?

t_bone - 2/29/2012 11:45:27 AM

+2 Boost

I'm bracing for even LESS rearward visibility in the latest styles after this change.