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I just heard that the Government will be requiring backup cameras on all new cars by 2018.
I think it makes sense for safety but do we really need this. How much will it add to the sticker cost?
Is it just another thing that will erode a drivers skill or take some responsibility away from the driver so he will have more time for texting? Soon the cars will be driving themselves.
What do you think Do we need a Gov. mandate for back up cameras?
I'm a BIG fan of the back-up camera on our newest car (only car I've ever owned with it) because it really does make backing up that much safer. I've had close calls with the neighbor's kids riding tricycles and big wheels behind my car while backing up that, had it not been for the camera, could have ended much worse. The one on my vehicle also has a wide enough angle to be able to see cars coming down a parking lane/aisle MUCH sooner than I could otherwise, especially when parked next to a longer vehicle. Newer versions even have the ability to help you back into a spot by projecting your trajectory based on steering wheel input. How cool is that?
I'm normally not a fan of additional regulations, but this seems like a good thing. I'm sure the same argument was had back when they required vehicles to have rearview mirrors on BOTH sides, but we all got over it and it probably did save lives. Will some drivers use it as a crutch? Maybe, but the same could be said for almost any vehicle feature designed to aid the driver's ability to operator the vehicle (e.g. automatic transmissions).
Yeah, just what we need. ANOTHER avenue for the NSA to exploit Americans, so why not turn other motorists into mobile spies? Farfetched? Maybe, but it's doable and the NSA would lick their chops at the idea. Already done with Onstar and EZpass tracking.
Frankly, this seems like overkill. I really wonder about the added utility of a backup camera over backup sonar. The sonar seems to do just as much to avoid hitting something you can't see without the distraction of looking at a display on the dash instead of looking behind you.
It's just one more toy to make the cost and price go up. It might be something that a city person would use but where I live it's worthless.
There was a time when you purchased a car you had to order a heater with defrost, ($400), Air conditioning (800$), A radio ($250), surround sound for the radio with Bose speakers ($1500), Carpet ($300), Power steering ($200), Power brakes ($200), Tinted windows ($250), Power widows ($300), Power seats ($600), Cruse control ($300), Automatic transmission ($2000), etc..
If new cars could be ordered like I did in the 70's a new car could be purchased half of what it's price is now.
Maybe they should just install every options they have and charge $60,000 for each car. That should make the masses happy.
A lot less than you think. The electronics is cheap already and getting cheaper. The only reason it seems to cost a lot now is because it is a serious profit generator.
My guess would be less than $100 once it is mandated for all cars.
I have to admit, the wide angle allows you to see idiots that don't see you backing up.
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