Laws Requiring Rear-View Cameras in New Vehicles Delayed

June 24, 2013

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 292 people are killed each year as the result of being hit by a motor vehicle backing up. A majority of the victims are children and elderly.

To reduce Car Accident Injuries and fatalities while vehicles are backing up, former President George W. Bush signed a bill into law in 2008 requiring all new vehicles to come equipped with a backup camera. The cameras allow a driver can see behind them while in reverse. Since that time, the law’s implementation has been delayed three times, with the most recent delay occurring late last week.

In a letter to Jay Rockefeller, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman, the U.S. Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, explained that an initial analysis of the rules cost showed an estimate of roughly $18 million per life saved. An article from Newsday explained how LaHood is instead pushing for initiatives that would create boosts in safety ratings for vehicles that utilize the technology. Similar incentives are in place for vehicles that use other pieces of safety technology, such as electronic stability control.

The Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices applaud the advances being made in automobile safety technology, but recognize that accidents can still happen. The firm is here to answer questions for anyone who has been hurt in an accident that wasn’t their fault.