Rear-view cameras in cars may be mandated to protect kids from being backed over
The Department of Transportation plans to make rear-view cameras standard for all vehicles by 2014 to prevent children being backed over. Each year, hundreds of children are hospitalized after being hit by cars backing up, and every week at least 50 children are reportedly backed over by vehicles in the U.S.
The regulation, which was proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), would expand the required field of view for all passenger cars, pickup trucks, minivans, buses and low-speed vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of up to 10,000 pounds so that drivers can see directly behind the vehicle when the vehicle’s transmission is in reverse. NHTSA believes automobile manufacturers will install rear mounted video cameras and in-vehicle displays to meet the proposed standards.
The cost of adding the cameras will probably be borne by consumers. According to NHTSA estimates, it will add as much as $200 to the price of a new car. If the law passes, it would be phased in over the next four years, starting with 10% of new cars sold by September 2012, 40% by September 2013 and 100% by September 2014.
The proposed rule was required by Congress as part of the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007. Two-year-old Cameron Gulbransen, for whom the Act is named, was killed when his father accidentally backed over him in the family’s driveway.
NHTSA estimates that, on average, 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur each year as a result of back-over crashes involving all vehicles. Children and the elderly are most affected, with approximately 44% of fatalities being children under 5 years of age.
Source: kidsandcars.org
Click here to view a press release with more information from the NHTSA about the proposed legislation.
Families interested in learning more about our firm's legal services, including legal representation for children who have suffered serious injuries in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia due to medical malpractice, defective products, birth-related trauma or other injuries, may ask questions or send us information about a particular case by phone or email. There is no charge for contacting us regarding your inquiry. An attorney will respond within 24 hours.
All contents copyrighted 2010 Patrick Malone & Associates except where copyright held by others. Reproduction in any form prohibited except where expressly granted.
