How many times have you been backing up your large vehicle or SUV and wished that you could have a better view of what was behind you? Even smaller vehicles can have significant blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to see when in reverse. Adding a rearview or back-up camera to your vehicle can drastically increase your rear vision when backing up and parking.
A rearview camera is a special camera that is mounted to the rear of a vehicle, usually above the license plate. When installed, the camera is typically pointed slightly downward, allowing drivers to have a clearer view of what is on the ground behind them. The dash-mounted monitor permits drivers to easily view the camera transmission.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) have recently proposed a new vehicle safety regulation that would require all new cars and trucks to have rearview cameras by the year 2014. Proponents of this regulation believe that rearview cameras will help prevent adults and children from being hurt or killed in backup accidents.
Aftermarket rearview cameras can be added to most cars, trucks, SUVs, and even RVs. If your vehicle is already equipped with a navigation system with a screen, your rearview camera can be integrated into your existing system. If not, a separate LCD screen can be mounted to your dash. Most aftermarket rearview cameras switch on automatically when the vehicle is put in reverse. These systems offer a variety of different features and range widely in price.
Listed below are a few benefits you might consider when deciding whether or not to add an aftermarket rearview camera to your vehicle.
Life-saving:
NHTSA estimates that, on average, 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur each year as a result of back over crashes involving all vehicles. The majority of victims are children and the elderly. A rear-view camera allows drivers to have a clearer view of children, pedestrians, and pets that may walk behind their vehicles. While back-up cameras cannot completely prevent fatalities and injuries from occurring, many experts agree that cameras can reduce the number of incidents significantly.
Parking Made Easy:
A rearview camera can be useful tool when parallel parking or parking in tight spaces. The camera offers the driver a better view when backing into spaces or between cars. Used in conjunction with your rearview and side mirrors, a camera can help drivers determine their distance from curbs and other vehicles.
Avoid Costly Vehicle Damage:
Driving over toys, bikes, and other debris left in your driveway can not only ruin the items you run over, but can seriously damage your vehicle. As most car and truck owners know, vehicle repairs can be quite costly and inconvenient. Because a rearview camera is tilted slightly toward the ground, drivers will have a clearer view of objects lying behind their vehicle, preventing costly damages. Preventing accidental damage will also help keep your insurance premiums low, saving you money over time.
Convenient:
Those vehicle owners who hitch trailers or boats to their trucks and SUVs have an added benefit of rearview cameras. Drivers can use the camera system to line up the hitch and coupler without help.
With a variety of features and cost points available, aftermarket rearview cameras offer many benefits to the drivers. With models to fit most cars, trucks, SUVs, and RVs, a back-up camera can be a valuable safety feature for any vehicle.