Do Back-up Cameras on Vehicles Improve Safety?

A federal rule established in 2018 requires all passenger vehicles under 10,000 pounds manufactured or made to sell in the U.S. to be equipped with a back-up camera. These devices were implemented to improve safety by making drivers more aware of any vehicles, pedestrians or other objects that may be in the path of the vehicle as it is reversing.

The question is: Are these cameras working to improve safety? Read on to learn more about how these cameras are performing and whether they are improving safety for drivers and pedestrians.

What Does the Research Say?

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 15,000 people are injured and 210 people are killed each year by back-over crashes. Children under five make up for 31 percent of these types of accidents every year, and adults over 70 years of age account for 26 percent.

Benefits of Back-up Cameras

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety stated that rearview cameras can be expected to prevent approximately one in six back-up accidents that are reported to the police. On average, the back-up cameras reduced these types of crashes by 16 percent.

The biggest benefit of back-up cameras appeared to be for drivers over 70 years of age, whereas their back-over crash rate was reduced by 40 percent compared to 15 percent for drivers under the age of 70.

An additional study by the institute concluded that a rearview camera in combination with rear parking sensors and a rear automatic braking system, can diminish back-up accidents by 75 percent.

Limitations to This Technology

Although new technology can greatly improve safety for many drivers and pedestrians, there are some drawbacks, such as dependability. Some drivers may become too dependent on new devices like the back-up cameras.

Back-up cameras typically provide a view of eight to 10 feet on each side of the vehicle and 50 to 70 feet behind the vehicle. The problem is that most of these cameras only provide an 80-degree field of view behind the vehicle, which means an additional 280 degrees that is not in the camera’s view. Therefore it is crucial that drivers not become too dependent on back-up cameras.

If you or a loved one was involved in an accident, contact the New Jersey car accident lawyers at Lynch Law Firm, PC. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis – meaning we do not bill you for any of our services unless we obtain compensation for your claim.

Reducing Your Risk of an Accident

To reduce accidents while backing up, every driver should consider the following safety tips:

• Try to avoid parking situations where you will need to back-up, if possible.
• Always remember to walk around your vehicle to ensure that your path is clear before backing out.
• Keep your foot on the brake pad and back out slowly while continually checking for pedestrians, vehicles or other objects that may enter your path.
• Continue checking your rear and sideview mirrors along with blind spots while scanning from left to right.

While back-up cameras provide a new, more convenient view that has never been provided in older vehicles, it should not be the only view you utilize while backing up.

Contact a Licensed Attorney if You Have Questions About Your Accident

If you or someone you care for was injured in an accident as a driver or pedestrian, seeking legal representation from a licensed attorney could help improve your situation.

Reach out to an attorney at Lynch Law Firm, PC to schedule your free case review. There is no requirement to hire our firm, even after your consultation and your information is confidential, so there is nothing to lose. We also charge nothing up front and do not get paid unless you do.

Get the legal help you need 24/7. (800) 518-0508 .