Backup Cameras Required in All New Vehicles

May 08,2018

As of this month, new vehicles sold in the U.S. must have backup cameras. The proposed requirement was announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about four years ago, but it did not take effect until last Tuesday.

NHTSA administrator Heidi King says the agency expects the new rule will help save lives and prevent injuries. The requirement applies to all new vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds, sold in the U.S. This will include most models of cars, SUVs and trucks.

Fortunately, most new vehicles are already compliant with the new requirement. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 97% of new vehicles have backup cameras—compared with just 8% in 2006.

Backup Accidents Kill People Every Year

Accidents from backing up cause roughly 210 deaths and 15,000 injuries per year in the U.S., according to NHTSA data. A large percentage of victims are children under 5 and seniors ages 70 and older. Studies have shown that rearview mirrors without backup cameras can have blind spots that range from six feet to 44 feet or more, depending on the size of the vehicle.

“Backup cameras make vehicles much safer. We’re pleased to see this commonsense rule adopted by the NHTSA,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in an auto accident and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.