Back-up cameras are marketed as a safety feature that can help avoid numerous types of car accidents caused by drivers being unable to see behind their vehicle. Some cars have built-in rearview cameras, or vehicle owners can purchase a back-up camera to install on their own vehicle.
Are back-up cameras worth the hype? What does the research say? Here’s what you should know.
Federal Back-Up Camera Laws
In 2018, a federal regulation long in the works passed: new cars sold in the United States must have rearview cameras. The initiative began in 2008 when Congress passed a law that mandated regulators adopt technology to improve rearview visibility in motor vehicles.
After many delays, the Department of Transportation announced the requirement in 2014, and automobile makers began to prepare. Now, any new car purchased in the U.S. will have a back-up camera to reduce the number of back-over crashes.
Does the Science “Back Up” Back-Up Cameras?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), back-over crashes hurt more than 18,000 people annually and kill over 292.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that back-up cameras are anticipated to prevent “nearly 1 in 6 police-reported backing crashes” and reduce back-over collisions by 16%.
Research overwhelmingly supports the federal mandate to have a rearview camera in every vehicle, and drivers who own older cars without back-up cameras should consider investing in having an external camera installed.
How to Reduce the Risk of a Car Accident When Backing Up
Whether you have a rearview camera in your vehicle or not, you can practice safer backing up when driving your car. Here’s how:
- Don’t park where you’ll have to back up. Whenever possible, park your vehicle in a way that allows you to pull out forward instead of having put your car in reverse to get out of the spot. This is especially important in your driveway if you live in a neighborhood where children
- Check your vehicle before you back out. If you have parked in a place where backing out is necessary, walk all the way around your vehicle to check for objects, animals, and anything else that may be behind your car that you won’t be able to see once you’re in the driver’s seat.
- Back out slowly. Make sure your foot is on the brake pedal when backing out so you can stop immediately if you need to. If you do need to give it a little gas, be extremely cautious.
- Check your mirrors constantly. Don’t just check your mirrors once before you put your car into reverse to back out. Continue checking your rearview mirror and your side mirrors to make sure nothing has come into the path of your vehicle as you’ve started to move.
Were You Hurt in Motor Vehicle Collision? Experienced Salem, MA Injury Attorneys Can Help
If you or someone you love were injured in a back-over crash, you may be entitled to seek financial compensation for certain damages like lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses.
Seasoned Salem, MA injury lawyers Mazow | McCullough, PC can help you recover the full and fair restitution you and your family deserve after a devastating backing collision. Call today for a consultation at (855) 693-9084.
