Behind the Wheel’s Garry Fabian looks at the benefits of reversing cameras…
Over the years a range of accessories have become available for the modern motor car, initially as retro fitted add-ons‘ and in recent times as options.
his life-saving technology should be a mandatory item
A growing number of brands now offer features such reversing cameras as part of the standard package on a range of models.
This life-saving technology should be a mandatory item, just as seat belts have been for nearly 40 years, and in recent years, air-bags.
Statistics show around 10 children every year are killed or seriously injured when the family car has backed over them in the driveway of the home.
This seems to be more prevalent in the case of 4WD vehicles, where due to their height off the ground, rear vision is restricted.
While movement sensors are useful, often in the case of a toddler they do not provide a suitable warning in time that there is something or someone directly behind the reversing vehicle allowing the driver to take evasive action to avoid hitting the child.
While rear vision cameras are a handy tool when backing into a tight parking spot, avoiding touching the car or indeed brick wall behind, avoiding the possibility of damaging the rear or the front of another vehicle is really only a cosmetic advantage .
But the use of a rear vision camera as a safety tool is one vital element that should now be standard on all new cars, particularly family cars and SUV’s.
Even older cars that are not currently fitted with a camera can be retrofitted, and prices for these have come down quite considerably to now range between $400 – 500.
This a small price to pay not only for your peace of mind, but more importantly to avoid a tragedy which could see a child seriously injured or killed.
The safety slogan used to alert boat owners of avoiding power lines “Look up and Live” could easily be applied to rear vision cameras “Look behind so others may Live”.
Garry Fabian
Behind the Wheel supports and encourages road safety. We provide road safety news from Australia and the world, keeping you up to date on new technologies and other road safety issues. Our road safety expert Russell White also contributes safe driving tips and information as part of our effort to cut road fatalities and end the trauma.
