Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Fairfax Station, VA. Formally Long Island :(
Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
Hmmm...so are backup cameras going to be mandatory or not?
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=23365
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=23365
NHTSA pushes for the mandate to save lives while opponents such as the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers reminds it of costs associated with implementing the rule
New regulations that require automakers to improve rear visibility in all new models by 2014 were proposed in December 2010, and now, the backup camera rule is part of the national debate about safety, federal regulations, and jobs.
The backup camera rule would require the installation of backup cameras in all new vehicles by 2014. It was proposed by President Barack Obama, and is a response to the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Act, which is a 2008 law named after a young boy who was accidentally ran over by his father's car.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 292 people die from back-over accidents per year. By implementing the backup camera rule, half of those lives would be saved annually.
While the backup cameras could clearly be beneficial, the topic is up for debate because opponents say the requirement would be too costly and would result in job losses.
According to an August 30 letter the president sent to House Republican leaders, the backup camera mandate is in the top five list of the five most costly rules under consideration at this time.
The backup camera rule could cost as much as $2.7 billion, and would equate to about $18.5 million per life saved. Adding the cameras to vehicles would tack on an extra $58 to $203 per vehicle.
"Congress built flexibility into this law to balance safety and cost, and unfortunately NHTSA has ignored Congress by mandating an expensive, one-size-fits-all solution for rearview cameras," said Gloria Bergquist, spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
So far, individual automakers have not said anything negative about the rule despite these costs. In fact, Ford plans to have backup cameras in all Ford and Lincoln models by the end of this year.
The backup camera plan calls for 10 percent of the United States' new fleet to meet standards by 2012, 40 percent to meet the standards by 2013, and all new vehicles to comply by 2014.
Source: The Detroit News
New regulations that require automakers to improve rear visibility in all new models by 2014 were proposed in December 2010, and now, the backup camera rule is part of the national debate about safety, federal regulations, and jobs.
The backup camera rule would require the installation of backup cameras in all new vehicles by 2014. It was proposed by President Barack Obama, and is a response to the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Act, which is a 2008 law named after a young boy who was accidentally ran over by his father's car.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 292 people die from back-over accidents per year. By implementing the backup camera rule, half of those lives would be saved annually.
While the backup cameras could clearly be beneficial, the topic is up for debate because opponents say the requirement would be too costly and would result in job losses.
According to an August 30 letter the president sent to House Republican leaders, the backup camera mandate is in the top five list of the five most costly rules under consideration at this time.
The backup camera rule could cost as much as $2.7 billion, and would equate to about $18.5 million per life saved. Adding the cameras to vehicles would tack on an extra $58 to $203 per vehicle.
"Congress built flexibility into this law to balance safety and cost, and unfortunately NHTSA has ignored Congress by mandating an expensive, one-size-fits-all solution for rearview cameras," said Gloria Bergquist, spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
So far, individual automakers have not said anything negative about the rule despite these costs. In fact, Ford plans to have backup cameras in all Ford and Lincoln models by the end of this year.
The backup camera plan calls for 10 percent of the United States' new fleet to meet standards by 2012, 40 percent to meet the standards by 2013, and all new vehicles to comply by 2014.
Source: The Detroit News
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,069
From: Detroit, MI
Re: Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
hmmm... I don't know who the video camera lobby is, but they're doing a good job of puppeting some of the politicians.
292 people is not a significant amount of people, and putting back up camera's on new cars probably won't affect the number by much. They're are 1,000 more deadly issues facing our roads and drivers today... I don't know why they are so keen on this little issue.
292 people is not a significant amount of people, and putting back up camera's on new cars probably won't affect the number by much. They're are 1,000 more deadly issues facing our roads and drivers today... I don't know why they are so keen on this little issue.
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Posts: 1,069
From: Detroit, MI
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Joined: Aug 1998
Posts: 171
From: ENGLEWOOD,CO,USA
Re: Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
The Koreans DO really copy the Japanese automakers. IMHO, that thing is as ugly as the current Nissans.
Oh wait, this was about bigger rear windows. Again, I agree, while they the automakers are at it, lower the door ledge heights so I can see out my window again.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 233
From: Kentucky
Re: Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
If they want to save lives, make everyone do a medical exam once every 2 years. I've seen people get in an accident at a hospital parking lot and not even notice. How many elderly people do you know who shouldn't be driving? Getting a license at 16 and it being good till you die is more of a problem than not having a backup camera.
Cars are already too expensive because of crazy safety requiremets, I should have a choice with what I can buy.
Cars are already too expensive because of crazy safety requiremets, I should have a choice with what I can buy.
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 936
From: Butler, PA
Re: Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
Not really sure what current Japanese car the Veloster copies? 
I picked up a twin to the car pictured as a DD. When I saw that a back-up camera was part of the Tech package I figured it was another gimmicky tech add on that i'd probably never use. It's been a really nice feature, especially at night. I do agree though, as a whole, it seems like visibility in new cars is getting worse and worse.
I picked up a twin to the car pictured as a DD. When I saw that a back-up camera was part of the Tech package I figured it was another gimmicky tech add on that i'd probably never use. It's been a really nice feature, especially at night. I do agree though, as a whole, it seems like visibility in new cars is getting worse and worse.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 301
From: Alexandria, Louisiana
Re: Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
I've been operating motor vehicles since age 8. Everything from tractors, cars, and even semi's and I've never once backed into anything. I've never needed a camera, all that I've needed is my common sense.
Sadly, it appears that common sense is not installed on most people these days. They need to figure out how to re-install it in people and make THAT mandatory.
Sadly, it appears that common sense is not installed on most people these days. They need to figure out how to re-install it in people and make THAT mandatory.
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,977
From: SeVa
Re: Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
Ya gotta get tough like that Safeway security guard who detained, interrogated, and made sign a statement a four year old shoplifter
Registered User
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 666
From: Stockton, Ca. USA
Re: Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
Cars are unsafe, we should ban cars. Ban alcohol, ban reverse on any vehicle, ban cell phones, ban passengers, ban radios and cup holders, have an eye test in every car to go along with the breathelizer, better yet lets have a government official in every car at all times.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 943
Re: Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
I have a backup Camera on my Silverado and I love it. I can parallel park that thing like it was a smartcar now. I don't think I will have a car without it again - even if I have to install it myself. Sometimes the laws work out and we get cool stuff. Other times, we get 10 airbags we don't want. This mandate I am happy for.
-Geoff
-Geoff
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 10,285
From: Albany, NY
Re: Backup Camera Mandate Part of National Debate
I love the backup camera on the GM cars when it is in the rear view mirror. I would love it to be standard on all cars. My only concern is that it adds cost and if it breaks I would fail my annual state safety inspection. It is nice to have but not a necessity. Also, there is a big difference between backing up in a Silverado 3500 or Suburban and a Chevy Sonic. If this were to ever become law I would hope that it would be only for cars over say 190" in length.