Blind Spot Detection and Rear View Cameras | Top Priorities for Auto Safety
The eyes can play tricks, making it hard to focus or clearly focus on objects more than a few feet in front of them. We might not think about what’s directly behind our vehicles if we don’t see anything, but we should. Is it possible to just trust the eyes?
Having blind spot protection helps truck drivers who cannot trust their rear view mirrors to know there is a person or object behind their vehicle. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Association, a rear view camera will help prevent accidents. Since the NHTSA ruling has already become effective to install rear visibility systems in all lighter vehicles (cars, trucks, vans and SUVs), the final implication of the ruling will be phased in by 2016 and completed by 2018.
How will better positioning of rear view mirrors and backup cameras help fleet drivers?
In 2012, 63 pedestrians were killed by city bus drivers in Philadelphia and drivers asked city officials to reposition their rear view mirrors, claiming hazardous blind spots. Blind spot detection systems would reduce accidental deaths. Philly buses need this back up camera system. Companies are reconsidering road safety training for truck drivers because rear view mirrors fail to show drivers what is beside their vehicles. People have died after getting rolled over by dump trucks, cement pavers, etc. When used properly rear view cameras and computerized spotter systems have been proven to save lives.
In a 2000 case, a county inspector was killed after a dump truck operator backed over him. Following the accident, the California Department of Occupational Safety recommended drivers get out of the driver’s seat to check around the vehicle. A computerized virtual spotter system would have helped avoid this tragedy.
Why backup cameras and rear view mirrors do save lives
Here is why a backup camera system along with a virtual spotter system are the best blind spots detectors:
- 57 percent of drivers who had a backup camera system avoided backing over a stationary object. When using audible sensors and rear view cameras, they didn’t hit the same obstacles three out of four times.
- Cameras and sensors offer better predictability, as the blind spot was 90 percent reduced.
As technology improves, cameras and a virtual spotter system will continue to help us improve road safety.
