So why don't these do-gooders mind their own business?
I have no problem with it as long as it is an option. Kids, animals, bikes, toys and even fire hydrants are small enough to escape the rear view mirror.
Check the trunk of your 2001 and newer sedan. You will find a glow in the dark inside trunk release and on some models even a motion sensor to alert the driver to errant golf balls, shifting groceries or the ocassional trapped person. If memory serves me the number of persons dying as a result of being trapped in the trunk is less than a dozen annually and they are almost exclusively small children who could likely not activate the trunk release anyway. Thank you government safety nannies.
Vehicles have been fitted with such a device for many years now.
Many vehicles have multiple instances of these devices installed in them.
They are popularly known as 'rear-view mirrors'.
A compressed airstream warning the deaf and blind. I think they should have that too.
According to the National Safety Council, here are some causes of death and numbers of folks dispatched from the year 2001:
Fall on same level from slipping, tripping, and stumbling, 564
Fall involving bed, chair, other furniture, 734 Fall on and from stairs and steps, 1,462
Fall on and from ladder or scaffolding, 439
Fall from out of or through building or structure, 580
Other fall from one level to another, 840
Based on these horrifying statistics, Congress should immediately pass legislation banning floors, beds, chairs and other furniture, stairs, steps, ladders, scaffolding, buildings, and other structures. People should be prevented from moving about without wearing personal airnags at all times.
If we can save just one life, it will have been worth it.
The pediatrists warn that you can break your foot if you drop a 12 pound bowling ball on your foot.
And voting for a Democrat will reduce your chances of living by giving high-tech military R&D documents to the Chinese.
The list is endless.
Anyone care to contribute?
Imagine the noise levels on any street in Manhattan when a bunch of drivers try to back into tight parking spaces at the same time.
I have stopped backing up. I am part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Because they KNOW that somewhere there is actually somone having a good time and they can't stand it.
When we moved in October 2003 I drove the rental truck. I told wife and sons I am NOT backing up till I can see everybody in the mirrors or in front of me. Then I stationed son#1 off to the side so he could see and warn if anything else, man, beast, or otherwise was behind the truck. I don't drive a truck that often. I guess I'm a bit smarter than these do-gooders.
Risk/reward. If cheap technology can save lives and injury - why not?