Joined Nov 2005
quick, like a bunny
Forum Thread
backup cameras mandatory in all new vehicles
March 31, 2014 at
12:13 PM
in
Autos
(4)
Automakers will be required to install backup cameras in most new vehicles by May 2018, a federal agency announced Monday. [cnn.com]
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finalized a long-awaited rule requiring all new cars, SUVs, and minivans, as well as some new small trucks and buses to carry rear visibility technology.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finalized a long-awaited rule requiring all new cars, SUVs, and minivans, as well as some new small trucks and buses to carry rear visibility technology.
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As far as the safety record of backup cams, of course it's not foolproof. BUT, it will certainly help. Similarly, seat belts or baby seats don't save every person in car accidents. However, it can reduce the amount of injury and deaths. Likewise, backup cams can be an aid for drivers. It may not get rid of all accidents that occur when backing out, but it will reduce some of them. More importantly, it can reduce the number of deaths.....like who big trucks now have loud beeping warnings when they back up.
As far as the cost of the backup cams increasing the overall price of the car, I can attest that the increase in price will be a fraction of the cost compared to what the dealers are charging now if you want to add it as an option because it's almost always bulked together with factory navigation systems that cost thousands of dollars more to the car's price.
So, for someone who want it in their car, it's actually a savings to make it as standard equipment. For those who are against it, I wonder.......have you ever had experience using a backup cam for an extended amount of time? Do you not see the increase in safety with its use?
I would rather see cellphone jamming devices that prevent texting while the car is running, or ignition interlock devices to prevent drunk drivers from driving. I see those both saving more lives in the end than backup cameras in vehicles.
I would rather see cellphone jamming devices that prevent texting while the car is running, or ignition interlock devices to prevent drunk drivers from driving. I see those both saving more lives in the end than backup cameras in vehicles.
I agree that there are other things that can save more lives--i.e. preventing drunk drivers from driving or jamming cellphones. However, there would be even bigger uproar if those two things happen. With jamming cell phones, how can you determine if it's just passengers who have their cell phones? If all cell phones just get jammed based on speed, then the passengers wouldn't have access to their phones too.
With preventing drunk ppl from driving, there's a device now that require some ppl who have been convicted of a DUI to test the BAC before the car can start. However, this would NEVER pass because ppl will consider it an affront to their personal freedoms here in America.
So, what can the government do? Start off small--i.e. requiring tire pressure monitoring and backup cams.
I remember when my area first required ppl to wear seatbelts and would ticket those who didn't have them on. I reacted the same as ppl here with regards to backup cams. Of course, now that it's been 20+ years of having the seatbelt law, I can't imagine not wearing my seatbelt when I drive! It's like how bikers complain about helmet laws. You'll always find ppl against it.
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So, what can the government do? Start off small--i.e. requiring tire pressure monitoring and backup cams.
"I think the government should have complete control over almost every aspect of my life but most people won't go for that so I just want them to keep taking little nibbles of our freedom at a pace slow enough that nobody really pays attention until it is too late."
Government is not capable of taking care of all people from cradle to grave. And government is not the answer to every stinking little problem in society. Get the government out of the way, get people away from that mentality that they need to depend on the government, and get back to people being responsible for their actions and choices.
"I think the government should have complete control over almost every aspect of my life but most people won't go for that so I just want them to keep taking little nibbles of our freedom at a pace slow enough that nobody really pays attention until it is too late."
Government is not capable of taking care of all people from cradle to grave. And government is not the answer to every stinking little problem in society. Get the government out of the way, get people away from that mentality that they need to depend on the government, and get back to people being responsible for their actions and choices.
I don't think a government mandate to require backup cams (or seat belts, tire monitoring systems, baby seats, etc.) is tantamount to taking care of ppl from cradle to grave. It's a small requirement to improve safety.
I don't think a government mandate to require backup cams (or seat belts, tire monitoring systems, baby seats, etc.) is tantamount to taking care of ppl from cradle to grave. It's a small requirement to improve safety.
You have a lot of money and buy expensive cars and replace them frequently so the added cost seems insignificant to you. You mention in an earlier post about not having to pay for repairs on a car that is a few years old. No car that new should ever have any repair costs beyond consumables. Many people are not so fortunate and have to rely on cars that are much older. The more complex they get the harder it is for the working class folks to buy and maintain reasonably safe automobiles. Every piece of required equipment makes it that much harder. Some might even think it is part of a plan to keep poor people from owning their own cars so they become dependent on public transportation. Easier to keep them in their place that way.
I don't think a government mandate to require backup cams (or seat belts, tire monitoring systems, baby seats, etc.) is tantamount to taking care of ppl from cradle to grave. It's a small requirement to improve safety.
I don't want expensive gizmos to tell me when my tires need aire, I don't want a built in GPS that will become obsolete, I don't want a backup camera or any other crap added to a basic car that'll be a headache and expensive to maintain.
Can't they leave things simple?
A friend has a Toyota pu that needs a water pump. He's told the engine has to be removed (hoisted or something) to change it. WTH kind of improvements in engineering is all this stuff!
I don't want expensive gizmos to tell me when my tires need aire, I don't want a built in GPS that will become obsolete, I don't want a backup camera or any other crap added to a basic car that'll be a headache and expensive to maintain.
Can't they leave things simple?
A friend has a Toyota pu that needs a water pump. He's told the engine has to be removed (hoisted or something) to change it. WTH kind of improvements in engineering is all this stuff!
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I'm glad we don't have required vehicle inspections here yet.