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
Four Medical Alert and Slip and Fall Apps
Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately rather common in the US. The part that many people often miss when discussing slip and fall accidents, though, is that it is not just the elderly who suffer from them. Anyone of any age can have an accident, and people of all walks of life may have chronic […]
Keeping Older Drivers Safe
A lot of us have had to have a talk with our grandparents or parents about how they are on the road. There comes a time when caring for yourself can become difficult, as an older person, especially when driving. What can you do to ensure the older person in your life is being safe […]
Five Types of Truck Accidents
Trucks are paramount to our country’s economy. Over 15 million trucks move across the country, transporting consumer goods from one state to another every day. But despite their essential place in our society, trucks are pretty dangerous and pose a high risk to every road user. It pays to know the different types of accidents […]
The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Injury
The Most Common Types of Motorcycle Crashes According to the National Institute of Health, there are four main types of motorcycle crashes. Distinguishing these by category helps determine patterns that can later be used to help treat such accidents. The four main types are: The Most Common Injuries on a Motorcycle In the same study, […]
Pitbulls in California
While they are known for being loving, playful, and effective as guard dogs; Pitbulls are also known for their aggressive and even dangerous demeanor. Because of their prevalence and their mixed reputation, some cities and states have deemed it necessary to enact special laws and provisions about this breed. These laws are usually made up […]
Get Personal Injury Help in Southern California and Arizona from RS Law Offices
If you live in Southern California or Arizona, and you’ve been injured in an accident, you may have a right to seek compensation. If you’ve suffered a personal injury, you’re going to have some questions, and navigating those concerns is all but impossible to do on your own. You not only have a right to […]
Slip and Fall Injury Facts
Slip and fall injuries are, unfortunately, quite common. They can occur anywhere – a public space, a business, or someone else’s home. The injuries can range in severity but can cause you to miss time away from work and make you incur huge medical debt. If you fell somewhere other than your own home, you […]
Mold and LA Renters — Know Your Rights
You may have heard of “mold growth” in passing. Depending on the situation, the story you heard may have been about a simple annoyance, a house deal that fell through, or a sneezing fit. However, there are a lot worse stories than that out there; mold can cause severe allergies, incapacitation, and even worse health […]
Bicycle Safety in California
In a lot of ways, California is known as the driving capital of America, if not the world. Where else are so many people absolutely defined by their vehicles, their routes to work, and even their carbon footprint for transportation? The state requires some of the most stringent emission requirements across the nation and is […]
Scooter Safety
Since the program began in 2018, when the city of Los Angeles legalized scooters and made a plan to distribute more, they have been a ubiquitous addition to the city streets. Touted as a boon to lower-income people who would have difficulty purchasing and maintaining cars, the scooters were a popular initiative. They were approved […]
contact form
