In 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ruled that by May 2018, all new vehicles weighing less that 10,000 pounds should be equipped with rear visibility technology. Check out this infographic to learn about the law, including statistics to support the need for this technology and an outline of precautions drivers and pedestrians can take to prevent backover accidents.
THE FACTS ON BACKUP CAMERA SYSTEMS
BACKUP CAMERA SYSTEMS ARE THE NEW STANDARD IN CAR MANUFACTURING. LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY AND HOW IT HELPS PREVENT BACKOVER ACCIDENTS.
(NOW) THEY'RE REQUIRED
- 2014: Backup camera systems are available on more than half of the 50 top-selling vehicles in the U.S. (1)
- APRIL 2014: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) mandates backup cameras.
- BY MAY 2015: Cameras will be required on all new vehicles less than 10,000 pounds.
- BACKUP CAMERA SYSTEMS MUST COVER a 10-foot by 20-foot zone behind a vehicle.
- THEY CAN HELP PREVENT BACKOVERS
EACH YEAR:
- 210 fatalities on average occur from backover accidents. (2)
- 31 PERCENT ARE CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 5 (3)
- 26 PERCENT ARE SENIORS 70 AND OLDER (4)
- In addition, backover accidents cause an ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 15,000 INJURIES
EVERY WEEK:
- 50 kids are hit by a backing car.
- 48% of them are treated in emergency rooms.
- 2 die from their injuries (5).
- 90 PERCENT: The average that backup cameras CAN REDUCE BLIND SPOTS. (6)
- 58 TO 69 LIVES SAVED ANNUALLY with the new requirement, the NHTSA estimates
THEY DON'T REPLACE SAFE DRIVING
Remember your responsibility. BACKUP CAMERAS CAN'T PREVENT 100 PERCENT OF BACKOVER ACCIDENTS
PARENTS
- Discourage kids from playing in driveways or around parked vehicles.
- Trim landscaping around driveways and sidewalks to increase visibility.
- Talk to children about safety around parked cars. Keep your eye out for dangers and hold little ones' hands.
DRIVERS
- Walk around your vehicle and scan for hazards before backing out. Ask any kids nearby to stand a safe distance from the vehicle.
- Turn the radio off and roll down windows to better see and hear your surroundings. Back out slowly and cautiously, and always check your mirrors.
- If your vehicle has a backup camera system, clean it regularly to remove built-up road grime and snow.
DRIVING AN OLDER VEHICLE?
- If your vehicle DOESN'T HAVE A BACKUP CAMERA, you could purchase an aftermarket system to install on the license plate holder, bumper or hitch.
1 Auto Alliance; http://www.autoalliance.org
2 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; http://www.nhtsa.gov
3 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; http://www.nhtsa.gov
4 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; http://www.nhtsa.gov
6 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; http://www.iihs.org
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The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm™. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. The information is not intended to replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. Nor is it intended to effect coverage under our policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.
