Vehicle Backup Cameras Make Neighborhoods Safer For Children

It is pretty obvious why children are the most common victim of an incident involving a vehicle backing out. They’re little. They run around a lot. They’re also very careless of their surroundings. And, why shouldn’t they be? They’re children and they do not know better. As far as they’re concerned adults are around strictly for the purpose of watching out for them.

Blind spots are tricky territory. On a technicality the driver is responsible but it’s hard to ignore the obvious truth that the vehicles themselves are an extension of the problem. A vehicle backup camera will help the driver detect moving objects behind the vehicle. With infra-red cameras and a full color display, the driver can rest assured that even after checking behind their vehicle that no object or person will appear out of nowhere afterwards without them knowing.

A small car may only have a blind spot nearing 13 feet, which is scary enough, but a large vehicle such as an RV or commercial truck can have a blind spot of 28 feet or more! That’s why companies are encouraged to have a truck or commercial backup camera system installed for each vehicle in their fleet.

Facts About Blind Spots, Driving Safety, and Backup Camera Systems

Did you know that blind spots can range from approximately 13 to 55 feet? And those numbers differ depending on the shape and size of the vehicle. Every vehicle has blind spots. Not everyone double checks their blind spots before they back out of a space. That is the main reason backing up is a leading cause of accidents, both minor and fatal. It is a problem. So much so that practically every week there is a fatality of some sort within the U.S.

Sadly, but truthfully, most of these accidents are completely avoidable. A backup camera system acts as a driver assist device. It can be used on any major motor vehicle, including RVs and boats. It was once acceptable to turn your head and check once you were in the vehicle. You should still get into the habit of checking behind the vehicle before getting in and continue to back up slowly even after the camera is installed. Children sometimes run out behind the vehicle so even if you see them you need enough time to react.

To optimize its use, make sure that when you are setting up the camera that you center it, angled to get the complete field of vision from bumper to street and even a little farther out. Some cameras will have a wide scope with a 120 degree range. A good field of view would cover both outside edges of your bumper. Make sure that the camera also covers at least 15 feet behind it. If you can find one that covers more you are in really good shape.

Installing A Backup Camera System

Installing your vehicle’s backup camera system is not a traumatic experience. The camera is most commonly placed on the top center of the vehicle or by the license plate between the lights, angled so that you can a full view.  The screen is then placed either on the dash, or somewhere near it in plain sight but not in a distracting or blocking position.

If you want your camera to be permanently hardwired into your vehicle you can get a professional aftermarket customization shop to do the work for you. Simply look in your local yellow pages or online for a place that handles auto customization or auto accessories. Otherwise, you can follow the instructions that come included with your vehicle backup camera for self-installation. All of the necessary materials come included in the package: the wires, screen, camera, mounts, remote controls and power adapters. All you need are the tools, like a screwdriver, to put it together. The camera wiring may require you to drill holes. You can use rubber grommets to protect the wiring.

Make sure that you connect the wires properly and turn it on and test it to make sure it works. You can set it for either immediate turn on at engine ignition or to power on only when you are in reverse. That’s a personal choice, but the latter is often considered less distracting.

Safety Tips for Using A Backup Camera System


They call it defensive driving for a reason. Just because you follow the rules of the road does not mean everybody else is going to be as cautious and caring. You may always be on the lookout for foul play but sometimes you just cannot see it coming. That is why it is smart to invest in a backup camera system.

The backup camera system makes the blind spots behind your vehicle easy to check. A few safety tips to keep in mind after the installation of a vehicle backup camera are:

  1. Never stop using your side mirrors. Just because you have a screen on your dashboard doesn’t mean you should start slacking in your normal driving habits.
  2. Make sure the edge of your rear bumper is visible. If so, it should mean that everything behind your vehicle is visible in that in-between space as well. It wouldn’t be very helpful if you created a blind spot in your blind spot.
  3. Mount the camera high enough to get a proper view. Check it regularly to make sure everything is in order.

The set-up of these camera systems is relatively straight-forward. Make sure that the connection is working and that you find the screen’s field satisfying before you start using it regularly. You can always adjust the system when you need to.

Leisure Vehicles And Commercial Vehicles Both Need Back Up Camera Systems

commercial backup camera systemCompanies and services that commonly use commercial vehicles should all have money set aside for a vehicle backup camera per truck, RV, or bus. It’s really a small price to pay considering that the payments you’d have to make for accidents are much heftier. Any public transportation service in a metropolitan or suburban area should have them equipped. This includes school buses. Many pedestrians using public transportation are citizens requiring assistance. A backup camera system protects the elderly, disabled, and children from harm. As for commercial vehicles, well, anything with heavy cargo should have it to see the docking bays of the stores to which they deliver.

The use of these systems should not be limited to bigger vehicles. Main roads and busy places are always a concern, but it is quite often that accidents happen closest to home. Residents should be wary of their neighbors when backing out of driveways. Did you know that a blind spot in an SUV can extend to 20 feet or more? Children, pets, and small objects can be easily obscured by that blind spot. While it might be common sense for companies to invest in a commercial backup camera system, the idea shouldn’t escape the minds of the everyday driver.

How Do You Know You Found A Good Back Up Camera System?

Quite simply put, you can get a backup camera system or you could get a fantastic backup camera system. When you look for a new backup camera system for your vehicle you should look for night vision features, the depth limit, a color monitor, a good mounting system, and a warranty. These are all vital to your decision-making.

It doesn’t matter what you’re driving, it should have a proper camera set-up. So get the truck or RV backup camera system that best suits your ride. When searching, consider the size and shape of your vehicle. The camera should fit comfortably to the back of the vehicle. It should also have a field of vision between 20-40 feet, preferably wider/longer. This perception should not be obscured by darkness or cloudiness, hence having infra-red or night vision options are a big plus. A color monitor is easier for the driver. It won’t leave any discrepancies as to what exactly you are seeing behind the vehicle. This is useful when there are tight spaces where color perception makes a huge difference.

Also, make sure the mounting on the dashboard is strong. It should last a long time and be easily installed. The better systems can cost $200 or more but they’re worth every penny. It’s much better to spend the money, have the warranty, and know your vehicle is safe than to take a chance.

Government Encourages Use Of A Backup Camera System In Vehicles

When you really think about it, there is no reason not to have a back up camera system for your vehicle. There is absolutely no harm in being careful. The risk of backing into another car, or even worse, another person is just dreadful. But, it happens more often than we would like to admit. New vehicles have so many panels and gadgets on their dashboards, and a majority of them are for entertainment’s sake. If you were to include at least one useful installment into the dashboard, it should be a vehicle backup camera.

By 2014 it could quite possibly be mandatory to include a backup camera system in all new vehicles because the most vulnerable to poor hindsight are children. There have been too many incidents in the past to ignore the reality that mirrors don’t quite cut it. It really couldn’t hurt since we have so many safety features for drivers and passengers. Why not include one for passers-by?

Cars just seem to keep getting bigger and bigger. They’re meant to satisfy families but the downside is it’s much harder to see behind and around them. A truck backup camera could act as a mediator. Consumers can have their larger vehicles and safety regulations are followed.

A Back Up Camera System For Car Trips

back up camera systemIt never fails that at some point at the end of summer or in the Fall my family has to have the big family reunion. No matter where it’s held this involves some long distance driving; more than half of the time several hours of endless roads. This also means driving really early in the morning and really late at night. Tired eyes equal big, bad, ugly backing up surprises. The last thing you need is to put people at the rest stop centers in danger because you backed out and could not see properly.

A backup camera system is easy-to-use, gives you a better view of the space behind your vehicle, and can be easily accessed on your dashboard.  Anybody who travels extensively by car should invest in one of these devices. They can be fitted to many different types of vehicles too, so yes, while my family car isn’t the biggest thing in the world it is still useful.

Truck drivers may find these even more useful. Driving on highways and turnpikes with heavy cargo can be daunting. A vehicle backup camera in the back of the truck can make a huge difference when checking for safety.

 

A Backup Camera System is A Gift Dad Can Really Use


Dad’s birthday is coming up and he’s always been a practical guy, as most dads are. He likes gifts he can actually use, not just throw-aways or something that’s cute to decorate his work desk but isn’t actually helpful. He also really, really loves his car. It’s not exactly a new model but he’s held on to it for a while, put a lot of love into it, and cleans it often and always.

When looking at something to get that is car related and useful, a backup camera system is perfect. It keeps him and his family safe, it keeps those around him safe, it’s a cool new piece of technology and you can find one perfect for the model of his car.

The best part about getting a backup camera system is you can spend the time together to install it and then test it. Test it in the driveway by placing a garbage can or something else non-fragile behind the car, so he can adjust the camera to be just right for him. He’ll be amazed at everything he’ll be able to see and thrilled you bought him a gift that really matters!

RV Back Up Camera For Your Cross Country Trips

You can do a road trip in a regular sedan, but you are probably going to want to kill each other only a couple of states in. You’ll also be spending a lot of money on stopping at hotels. That’s why driving an RV is usually a better option. You have a place to eat and sleep on wheels! And lots of space so you can keep to yourselves and not drive the whole family crazy.

But if you are going to be traveling that much and doing that much driving, you need to be safe. Driving a big RV isn’t exactly easy. And you can’t always get a good view of what is going on behind you. That’s why an RV back up camera is so important. You need to make sure you and your friends, family, or whoever you are traveling with, are safe. And you have to watch out for the safety of those around you.

Rear View Safety has RV back up camera models for all kinds of RVs and really affordable prices. Why even risk an accident? It’s the best investment you can make.