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
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating and freeing. It also can be quite dangerous. Equip yourself with preparedness to ensure every trip you take ends only with a smile and a safe arrival. As always, if the unfortunate does happen, navigating the aftermath of a motorcycle accident is a large undertaking. We are here to help […]
Defensive Driving in Arizona
Learning to drive defensively can be an effective skillset for any driver, anywhere. With collision-related deaths in Arizona going up from 2019 to 2020, from 980 to 1,057, now is a good time to keep in mind your safety and the safety of those around you while on the road in Arizona. Of course, many […]
How Dangerous Are Motorcycle Accidents?
Motorcyclists are more likely to die in a traffic accident than people inside passenger cars. In fact, they are 28 times more likely, due to a number of factors, including things like potential low visibility from the blind spots of other vehicles around them. Motorcycles are also most likely to be involved in collisions with […]
Bike Maintenence Checklist
For those of us who bike to work, it’s clear that riding around is more than a hobby. Biking is something that can improve your mental and physical health. It can become a way of life, because to do it right takes commitment. You need to learn the best and fastest bike routes, have all […]
Five Apps for Bicyclists
Bicycle accidents happen all the time in the United States, and practicing bicycle safety is relatively simple – it just involves a lot of mindful riding and the safest possible equipment. Another part of safe bicycle riding is making sure you have your routes planned out and, in the case of an emergency, it doesn’t […]
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 […]
Common Land Rover Problems: When to Apply the Lemon Law
Range Rovers have an irresistible allure. One characterized by a sporty appearance, high performance, and luxurious interior. They also have a high safety rating, but it’s not uncommon for them to experience problems that render them as lemon. Some of the issues have led to recalls, and others are yet to be addressed by the […]
Hellcats and Risky Driving
As Americans, and especially Californians, a lot of us love fast cars. But what happens when the speeds of our cars surpass the safety training of the average driver? Let’s take a look at understanding what the Hellcat trend includes, how it could impact you as a driver on the road, and why it can […]
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 […]
Workman’s Compensation — When to Hire an Attorney
Workman’s Compensation is a right for all employees in California. It seems like a simple idea, and one designed with the workers’ best interests in mind. The truth, unfortunately, can be a lot more complicated than that. Avoid learning this lesson out the hard way by hiring a qualified attorney as soon as you are […]
contact form
