Rearview cameras could be compulsory on cars and light goods vehicles by 2014 following a proposal by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The NHTSA estimates that 230 people are killed and 17,000 injured each year after being struck by reversing vehicles and is proposing that rearview cameras that provide a view of a 3m by 6m area behind the vehicle be made compulsory from September 2014. The agency estimates that it will cost US$160-$200 to fit cameras to vehicles that don’t already have video screens and around $60 to those with video screens.
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The news comes as Ford announced that it intends to make its rear view camera system available on nearly every new Ford and Lincoln model by the end of next year.
“Our research shows that visibility is one of the biggest customer concerns today, which is why we are the only company to offer a Rear View Camera System, Blind Spot Mirrors and the radar-based Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic system,” said Jim Buczkowski, director of electrical and electronics systems engineering at Ford.
Ford’s system uses an exterior camera embedded in the rear of the vehicle that sends images to a video display in the rearview mirror or the navigation system screen.
Ford’s system will be offered on most of its full-size pickups, vans and crossovers – including the new 2011 Ford Explorer – with the added benefit of helping truck owners align and hitch trailers.
