Very few people are killed in backover accidents. The cost of equipping a car to prevent something that will likely never happen is crazy. Just now much do we want to spend to prevent every conceivable auto accident?
I’m a free market guy and don’t like the idea of government dictating what should be made and the regulatory democracy nauseates me. But these cameras, when combined with sensors are really fabulous. They definitely increase safety. But the industry is well on its way to adopting this technology and didn’t need to be told to do it. You find them on most mini-vans, crossovers and suv’s. This is clearly a case of the government getting ahead of the curve and trying to look like its leading.
KLBJ in Austin had this on last week. They quoted a total of 292 people are killed in the US by drivers backing up. I wanted to call in and ask if anyone in this area ever goes to defensive driving schools any more. I do it for a 10% reduction on insurance.
One of the things they teach in EVERY class, is to back into parking spaces and driveways, since you know it is empty. Then you can safely pull forward when leaving. Also, pull through one parking space into the front one, if there are no curbs or parking blocks. Believe me, I HUNT for those, even if they are a long way from the store entrance.