Rearview camera mandatory for cars (LATimes)

A Review camera in your automobile will be intended to omit blind spots (original story link).  Blind spots are instances in time and space that are unseen by the driver.  While the camera will make an image of the designated area, the driver still must look at the image presented.  So while presenting such an image for the driver is certainly convenient and improves the likelihood of being aware of something otherwise undetected, the driver still must be aware, paying attention and engaged in the task of - driving the car in a safe manner.  Nothing, no gadget or regulation or rule or law will make an inattentive person 'safer'.  The aspect of 'attention' is the sole responsibility of the driver.  In your car, in your relationships and in your life.  You are the driver.  Pay Attention.  Become Engaged in you daily life.  Drive your life.

Rear-view cameras on cars could become mandatory

The government has proposed requiring automakers to install the systems on all their vehicles to eliminate blind spots and reduce back-over accidents.

A rear-mounted camera and in-dash video screen let drivers of the Infiniti EX35 see otherwise-hidden obstacles behind the car. (Guy Spangenberg, Nissan / December 3, 2010)

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By Jerry Hirsch, Los Angeles Times

December 4, 2010

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The federal government wants automakers to install back-up cameras in all new vehicles starting in late 2014.

The plan, announced Friday, received a strong endorsement from insurance industry and other analysts and is likely to get some level of support from car manufacturers.

"There is no more tragic accident than for a parent or caregiver to back out of a garage or driveway and kill or injure an undetected child playing behind the vehicle," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. "The changes we are proposing today will help drivers see into those blind zones directly behind vehicles to make sure it is safe to back up."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationestimates that, on average, 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur each year as a result of back-over crashes. The agency said children and the elderly were the most common victims. About 44% of the fatalities in such accidents are children and 33% are people over 70, it said.

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