Backup Cameras: Do They Hurt More than they Help?
If you drive a newer vehicle, you are most likely familiar with a backup camera. Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) passed a law requiring that all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States come equipped with the cameras by 2018. These rear-facing cameras provide the driver with a view of the space behind his or her vehicle when the vehicle is in reverse, allowing him or her to see hazards, such as animals or small children, that he or she might not have been able to see by physically turning in the driver’s seat to peer out the back windshield. Ideally, these cameras will prevent car accidents.
No matter how many safety features a car has, there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of being involved in an accident. If you are injured in a car accident, you may be entitled to seek monetary damages for your medical bills and other expenses. An injury sustained in a car accident can keep you out of work, causing you to lose wages or miss out on promotion opportunities. In some cases, a car accident can cause paralysis or another permanent disability. If you are involved in a collision, seek medical care right away. Then, discuss your case with an attorney to determine your eligibility for a personal injury claim.
Safer than Before?
Although backup cameras will not be mandatory for new cars until 2018, many new vehicles currently come equipped with them. Other drivers opt to purchase third-party cameras to mount on their vehicles. The issue with these is that they are not federally regulated, meaning that one camera can be of dramatically better quality than another. Some cameras provide a warped view of the area behind a car or, due to where they are mounted, give the driver an inaccurate view of how close objects actually are. Another issue to consider with backup cameras is how they can be affected by the weather. Rain, snow, and frost can all affect the picture that the camera picks up.
But overall, do backup cameras reduce accidents? Studies show that yes, using a backup camera can reduce a driver’s chance of backing into a person or object.
Safe Driving is Still a Driver’s Responsibility
The presence of a backup camera does not relieve a driver of his or her responsibility to take all necessary safety precautions when driving. These precautions include walking around the car to check for hazards or issues with the vehicle before driving, obeying all posted traffic signals, and abstaining from using a cell phone or other hand-held device while driving.
Winter Park Car Accident Attorneys
If you are involved in a car accident and you want to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for your damages, contact Hornsby Law Group at 407-499-8887 to discuss your case with a member of our firm. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys in Winter Park, Florida, is here to help you get the compensation you deserve for the damages you suffer in an automobile accident.
