Six years ago President George Bush signed a law which would help prevent drivers from backing up and hitting pedestrians. Yesterday the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finally announced that mandatory backup cameras and screens will be phased in with 2016 models and required for all 2019 ones.
It took a lawsuit filed by safety groups led by Dr. Greg Gulbransen of New York and the General Motors ignition switch debacle to add this long needed safety equipment to our cars, trucks, SUVs and vans under 10,000 gross vehicle weight.
Dr. Gulbransen ran over his 2-year-old son in 2002 and has become one of the leaders in the backup camera movement. He praised the decision: “It’s been a long fight and this rule took too long, but we’re thrilled this day has finally come.”
Back in 2006 the safety group Consumers Union urged Congress to enact a federal law to prevent needless deaths and injuries, especially to toddlers and small children. Considering all the people who have been killed or injured since that time, and how inexpensive the add-on will be, it is outrageous that it took so long to finally enact the rule.
All 2014 models were already supposed to have this safety equipment but heavy lobbying and multiple delays prevented the rule from being enacted.
These knock-down accidents are a serious problem. Approximatey 210 people are killed and 15,000 people are injured each year — usually small children and senior citizens — by these backover accidents according to the NTSA. I only handle vehicle collision cases and these can be especially horrible ones.
These cameras are standard features or optional equipment on almost all (85 percent) of 2014 vehicles.
The new expands the area behind a vehicle that must be visible to the driver when he shifts into reverse.
It only will cost about $140 to add the camera and screen and about $45 to add the camera if the vehicle already has a video screen – a small price to pay. Not many people would object to this cost when they are considering a major $20,000 and usually far higher purchase. My sports utility vehicle came with one and I enjoy using it, especially in parking lots.
Even if a vehicle has a backup camera, it is still a good idea to survey the immediate area before you get inside and start backing up, especially if there is even the slightest chance someone is in your blind spot. Trucks and SUV drivers must be especially vigilant since we are so high up.
Contact the Fort Worth Dallas Personal Injury Lawyers and Legal Professionals at the Law Offices of Bill Berenson online or toll free at 888-801-8585 if you or a family member are injured in a car, truck, 18 wheeler, or motorcycle accident for a free consultation to discuss your case in detail. Our experienced and dedicated attorneys will fight the insurance companies to get you the money you deserve.