NHTSA Final Rule Requires Rear Visibility Technology
It applies to all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds by May 2018.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a final rule that requires rear visibility technology in all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds, including trucks and buses, by May 2018. The agency contends the rule will significantly reduce backover accidents.
"Safety is our highest priority, and we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable victims of backover accidents — our children and seniors," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "As a father, I can only imagine how heart-wrenching these types of accidents can be for families, but we hope that today's rule will serve as a significant step toward reducing these tragic accidents."
The rule requires the new vehicles to come equipped with rear visibility technology that expands the field of view so the driver can see a 10-foot by 20-foot zone directly behind the vehicle. There are additional requirements regarding image size, linger time, response time, durability, and deactivation.
"Rear visibility requirements will save lives and will save many families from the heartache suffered after these tragic incidents occur," said NHTSA Acting Administrator David Friedman. "We're already recommending this kind of life-saving technology through our [New Car Assessment Program] and encouraging consumers to consider it when buying cars today."
According to NHTSA, an average of 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries per year are caused by backover crashes. Children under 5 account for 31 percent of backover fatalities each year and adults 70 and older account for 26 percent.