Beginning In 2018: Rear-View Cameras Required

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, beginning in 2018 all new vehicles will be required to have “rear visibility technology” – or, a rear view camera. This is a “no-brainer.” In fact, I’m surprised that it has taken this long to get such a rule. In the words of NHTSA Acting Administrator David Friedman, “[r]ear visibility requirements will save lives, and will save many families from the heartache suffered after these tragic incidents occur.” Amen.

Today’s NHTSA press release further states, “[o]n average, there are 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries per year caused by backover crashes. NHTSA has found that children under 5 years old account for 31 percent of backover fatalities each year, and adults 70 years of age and older account for 26 percent.”

These are some of the most tragic auto pedestrian accidents that we see. In Utah, it seems that one or two of these types of backover car accidents happen every year. I hope that with this rule and increased awareness we’ll see less of these backover accidents in Utah and nationwide.

This rule is a great victory for consumer rights and public safety. The rule was lobbied for by various advocacy groups including, Public Citizen, Advocates for Highway Safety, Consumers Union, andKidsAndCars.org. Thanks to these groups and others that pushed for this rule.