Father’s Day is once again upon us, and perhaps this year, you want to buy a better present for your Dad or husband than a tie or a set of golf balls. One present idea that he is sure to enjoy is a rear view camera for his vehicle. After all, this plays into his love of technology and has an added practicality factor that he will also enjoy.
Why are rear view cameras necessary?
Cameron Gulbransen, who was two at the time, was killed when his father accidentally ran him over with his SUV. Unfortunately, the Gulbransen family is not the only family who has experienced this tragedy first hand. There is an obvious problem with blind spots that needs to be addressed, and experts agree a backup camera could have prevented a tragedy such as this as it would have revealed what was in the father’s blind spot. In this case, what he didn’t see was his precious child.
How big is the typical blind spot?
According to an auto test completed by Consumers Union, there are enormous blind spots behind not only SUVs but behind pickups and cars as well. CNN demonstrated how enormous the typical blind spot was when they sat 62 two-year-olds behind a Chevy Suburban and then revealed how the driver was unable to see any of them.
How many deaths will the implementation of rear view cameras prevent?
The Department of Transportation estimates that the presence of a simple backup camera could prevent most of the 210 deaths a year that occur as a result of back-over accidents.
When will having a rear view camera become a law?
According to a recent ruling by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, by May 1, 2018, all new vehicles less than 10,000 pounds must be equipped with rear view cameras. Playing a big part in getting the law passed was the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act, which was named for Cameron Gulbransen, the small child who was killed by a back-over accident. The legislation was designed to increase rear visibility for American cars and had bipartisan support that included support from Senator John Sununu, then Senator Hillary Clinton and Congressman Peter King.
Other groups that helped get the law passed included Public Citizen, KidsAndCars.org, the Consumers Union and Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety. It took a group effort to get the law through, but it finally passed and will be changing the way cars are designed from now on.
Buying a rear view camera for father’s day could be the best present you ever give. After all, if it saves the life of just one child, it is a gift well worth giving. What tie or other trinket could ever compete with a gift that could save a life? Visit us at Rear View Safety to find the back-up camera of your Father’s dreams.