Car Rear-View Camera Requirement Proposed
NEW YORK (
) -- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has proposed a new safety rule that would require all automobile manufacturers to install rear mounted video cameras in new vehicles by Sept. 2014.
The regulation could cost the auto industry $1.9 billion to $2.7 billion a year. To meet the requirements, 10% of new vehicles must comply by Sept. 2012, 40% by Sept. 2013 and 100% by Sept. 2014.
The proposal would eliminate blind spots by expanding the required field of view for all vehicles. With a rear view camera, drivers would be able to see directly behind the vehicle when reversing.
"The steps we are taking today will help reduce back-over fatalities and injuries not only to children, but to the elderly, and other pedestrians," NHTSA administrator David Strickland said.
The NHTSA estimates that 292 deaths and 18,000 injuries occur every year as a result of back-over crashes. The administration believes that adding cameras to all vehicles would reduce the number of fatalities by close to 100, and injuries by up to 8,000.
"The changes we are proposing today will help drivers see into those blind zones directly behind vehicles to make sure it is safe to back up," U.S. Department of Transportation secretary Ray LaHood said.
-- Written by Theresa McCabe in Boston.
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