By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has once again delayed implementation of a rule that would require all new passenger cars be equipped with a rearview camera system. The equipment is intended to prevent back-over accidents by alerting drivers when pedestrians are behind the vehicles. Under a law passed in 2008, NHTSA had until 2011 to issue the rule to be phased-in by 2014.
While the law permitted sensors, mirrors or other devices to provide drivers with rearward information, NHTSA determined that a camera and dashboard display screen system was the best solution. The automakers have generally objected to not being provided more flexibility on cost-effective ways to achieve the goal. As of 2012, about 44% of new cars included rear cameras as standard equipment and another 27% offered the equipment as an option.
For more information, contact Stuart Gosswein stuartg@sema.org.