Backup camera to be required on 2014 light vehicles

Quote from Epiphyte : Is there evidence that rear view cameras actually save lives? If so, how much should we spend per life? The articles state that 200-300 people die annually in back-up accidents and that the annual cost of the program would be close to $3 billion. If every one of those lives were saved, that'd be ~$10 million per life. But, of course, just because you have a rear view camera doesn't mean that you use it or that it could even help in a specific situation so 100% of those deaths will not be prevented.

Backup cameras can also help prevent bumping into another car while backing out of a parking spot for example. These kinds of minor accidents can require thousands of dollars to fix (this is from my own experience).

I think this is stupid.

That is all.

1. In what world does adding a video camera and LCD screen to a car only add $200 to the sticker price? Just checked out the CRV from Honda, and sensors (which I assume are cheaper) cost over $500.

2. Is there even a study out that shows having this actually decreases your risk of accident? I know I am much safer backing my car up looking over my shoulder than I am looking in the mirror because of perferal vision. I can't imagine a $200 camera setup surpassing that.

3. And can we call this what it really is? A middle finger to poorer people who were hoping to buy a new car and now have to shell out additional money for something they might not want.

Quote from Epiphyte : If so, how much should we spend per life?

Your life or mine?

Quote from highfloydelity : I think this is stupid. That is all.

That's only because it is.

I installed one on my car and it's great! No more bumper dings when parallel parking! As an added bonus, I haven't run over any kids since I installed it.

Quote from TheObserver84 : Backup cameras can also help prevent bumping into another car while backing out of a parking spot for example. These kinds of minor accidents can require thousands of dollars to fix (this is from my own experience).

Well then we need to also make mandatory the self parallel parking feature that some car companies offer. That way bad parallel parkers don't ding other cars.

Quote from Danman114 : 1. In what world does adding a video camera and LCD screen to a car only add $200 to the sticker price? Just checked out the CRV from Honda, and sensors (which I assume are cheaper) cost over $500.

Standard equipment is often much cheaper than when it's an option.

Radeck posted that he bought an aftermarket system for $75. The components are not that expensive.

Quote from Rebound : I installed one on my car and it's great! No more bumper dings when parallel parking! As an added bonus, I haven't run over any kids since I installed it.

Were you some sort of serial child "runner-over" before?

Quote from 124nic8 : Standard equipment is often much cheaper than when it's an option. Radeck posted that he bought an aftermarket system for $75. The components are not that expensive.

How much did he pay himself for labor?

I have not doubt it's humanly possible to have it installed for that little, I just question where the estimates get their figures.

I would think if a car company expects x$ revenue and profit from the sale of this additional item, they are going to have to get that from somewhere else.

In the end, those with the smallest wallets will get hit the hardest.

Quote from Danman114 : I would think if a car company expects x$ revenue and profit from the sale of this additional item, they are going to have to get that from somewhere else.

They will get it from the next optional tech advancement like always.

Quote from 124nic8 : Radeck posted that he bought an aftermarket system for $75. The components are not that expensive.

Just like with the government, it's always cheaper to do it yourself (provided you know what you are doing). Unfortunately you aren't going to be doing it yourself, the car company is. They will charge as much as they can to add this feature in.

Quote from andyfico : Just like with the government, it's always cheaper to do it yourself (provided you know what you are doing). Unfortunately you aren't going to be doing it yourself, the car company is. They will charge as much as they can to add this feature in.

Which won't be nearly as much as when it's an option.

Quote from 124nic8 : Which won't be nearly as much as when it's an option.

Still a lot more than $75 and it's still going to be a big hit to millions of wallets.