While it was in 2018 that the rearview camera requirement went into effect on all new vehicles, the whole debate started in 2008. That was the year Congress passed a law for automakers to take steps to increase visibility. The debate was prompted by a horrible tragedy where a father accidentally backed over his infant son due to poor visibility. George W. Bush was the president at the time, and there was a lot of discussion about vehicle safety leading up to the passing of the law.
It wasn’t until 2014 that the US Department of Transportation took action. This began the process that resulted in the 2018 federal camera requirement. It took about four years to warn manufacturers about the upcoming changes. Basically, any car made after 2018 had to have a rear-view camera installed as a standard feature, no matter the price.
Cut to today, where everyone is riding around with a rearview camera, right? Well, no. There are millions of older cars on the road every day without the benefit of rearview cameras. This is especially true in California, where light winters make the state a lot less damaging to cars than elsewhere in the country.
So, if you are a driver of an older model car, you may want to consider checking out some of the many rearview, or “back up,” cameras that are available online or in electronics and automotive stores. You can add one to any car, just check with the system and dimension requirements for your particular car.
The first reason is safety. The cameras make it easier to park and back out, that much is obviously true. But, the rearview cameras are also great for seeing other drivers. They help out a lot on the road, especially with vehicles that have larger blind spots. This is true for passing cars at great speeds on the freeway or maneuvering cramped streets in a downtown neighborhood.
Beyond other drivers though, the cameras also help you look out for some of the most vulnerable people out there. We are talking about bikers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. The camera is a more effective way to be aware of your surroundings. This helps keep you and others safe on the road.
You should look for a camera with a viewing angle of at least 120 degrees, this will ensure you really see what you need to see behind you. This is only a minimum requirement though, as some cameras will go up to 170 degrees. You will also want to look for good-quality night vision. You’ll want to be able to see up to 30 feet behind you, even in the dark. Lastly, ensure you have a good, clear monitor that is easy to use and to see.
We all strive to be safe on the road and to do our best to keep others safe as well. Even with precautions like these, accidents are sometimes unavoidable. If you ever do find yourself in an accident, make sure to contact a professional legal team for help.
blogs
Stay Safe in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles
In the history of cars, hybrids and plug-in electric vehicles are still essentially brand-new. With new technology comes a new way to look at transportation. This includes an eye toward safety – anything new in automobiles is going to require a new understanding of how they work, what the dangers are, and how to maintain […]
Five Pedestrian Accident Facts
Some numbers have Arizona as the most dangerous state in the U.S. when it comes to pedestrians. They are in the most danger by simply being outnumbered, which means accidents are likely to rise as the number of automobiles on the road continues to rise. It is important for you to not only understand how […]
Five Products for Increased Automobile Safety
It should be no surprise that in Arizona and California, with the increasing dependence on cars, automobile accidents are increasingly likely. In the event of an accident, you want to have as many bases covered as possible – from minor repairs you can do yourself to getting yourself out of harm’s way as quickly and […]
Looking Out for Motorcycles
In 2019, the number of deaths caused by motorcycles was found to be 29 times that of deaths caused by cars. Motorcycles can go very fast, they have no sides to protect the rider, they are more difficult to see on the road and they do not perform well in bad weather. While it is […]
What You Need to Know about Pain and Suffering in a Personal Injury Case
After a personal injury, you’re typically entitled to claim compensation for two types of damages; economic and non-economic. Economic damages are usually easy to quantify, and commonly include medical bills and lost wages. Non-economic damages on the other hand are difficult to measure, and often include pain and suffering. But what exactly is pain and […]
Slip and Fall Injuries in Arizona and California
In desert climates especially, some property managers have a tendency to not count on inclement weather when it comes to the upkeep of their properties. This means that, over time, things like rain and seismic shifts can slowly wear away at all kinds of surfaces, making them unsafe to walk on. While property managers may […]
Commercial Truck Accidents
While it may not seem like it, there are bigger differences when dealing with a truck accident than just the size of the vehicle. Although they are well insured, companies with commercial trucks will fire back at you with a whole legal team to avoid paying out for damage, injury, or even death. This is […]
Five Slip and Fall Facts
The more we have to go out into the world, the more dangers we’ll face. The key is not to be worried about it, but to be prepared and act safely. It also helps to know what to do and who to contact in the case of suffering a slip and fall injury yourself. Avoiding […]
Types of Damages in a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycles are an easy, exhilarating way to get around. No getting stuck in traffic and you can hit the gas pedal to the max. Exciting, right? Well, here’s the catch; although exciting, motorcycles are incredibly dangerous. A report by the Insurance Information Institute shows motorcyclists are usually 27 times more likely to lose their lives […]
Top 5 Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
A vehicle hitting a pedestrian can be termed one of the most traumatic accidents one could ever experience. Yet, it happens so regularly. According to the CDC, over 5,000 pedestrians die in car accidents annually, while an estimated 137,000 others visit the ER for non-fatal accidents. This makes one wonder, what spurs pedestrian accidents? Read […]
contact form
