Are Back-Up Cameras Reducing Truck Accident Risks?

Imagine a truck backing out of its garage and a seven-year-old chasing after their ball, passing out of view behind the vehicle’s tailgate. Would the driver be able to see the child in time to avoid the accident? Thankfully, with the rise of backup cameras, drivers are now better equipped to spot pedestrians or objects in their vehicle’s path. These tiny cameras equip people with a perspective they’d otherwise never have, so they can easily see if someone has come within their vehicle’s rear blindspots.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 15,000 people die each year in backup accidents. Alarmingly, 31% of those victims are children under the age of five, while 26% are adults over 70.

In 2018, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) took a crucial step toward road safety by making rear-view cameras mandatory in all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds. This regulation marked a significant shift toward reducing and reversing accidents and enhancing road safety for everyone.

Let’s talk a bit more about the rise of backup cameras, as well as the benefits and potential challenges they pose.

Are backup cameras useful?

Backup cameras have revolutionized the way we reverse our cars. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), back cameras have reduced backup accidents by 17% compared to vehicles without this technology.

This tiny camera, mounted at the back of the vehicle, displays a live feed to the driver. It eliminates drivers’ blindspots, improves safety, and helps drivers be more aware of other cars, pedestrians, and low-lying objects. Backup cameras are particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of accidents involving children, who are typically shorter in height and harder to see while backing up.

In a nutshell, backup cameras are useful for three major reasons:

• Improved safety: Increase awareness of the surrounding area, especially in tight spots.
• Reduced blindspots: This allows drivers to see what’s right behind them, even in congested parking lots.
• Lowered accident rate: As statistics show, backup cameras have significantly reduced the reversing accident rate.

Still, accidents happen. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident while reversing, consider contacting an experienced truck accident lawyer to learn more about your options.

Challenges of backup cameras

Like any other technology, backup cameras have their own set of challenges. Let’s take a look at several common issues people run into while operating a vehicle with one of these devices:

• If the angle is incorrect or the lens is covered with dirt or fog, the camera may not display the object in the vehicle’s path, increasing the risk of an accident.
• Another hazard of backup cameras is their limited field of view, which ranges from 80 to 180 degrees. This leaves significant blind spots.
• Sometimes, backup cameras lag in video relays, which can be critical in congested traffic or parking lots. If a person or object moves within the camera angle at the last second, the driver may not have time to react.
• Cameras flatten the image, making it difficult for the driver to judge an object’s exact distance or size until it’s too late.
• Backup cameras make drivers complacent, not realizing that the reversing camera is just an aid, not a safety net. As a result, drivers may neglect essential safety precautions such as checking their side-view mirrors or turning their heads to look behind.

Best practices for safely reversing

Reversing cameras are an excellent aid for drivers to easily back up from parking lots and garages. They have significantly reduced accidents over the years. However, solely relying on a rearview camera is not a safe habit to develop. Drivers must remain vigilant and incorporate the following traditional reversing practices to avoid accidents:

• Reversing slowly and keeping the speed under control allows for reaction time if someone enters the vehicle’s blind spot.
• Since the backup camera only provides an 80-degree rearview, the driver should check the side-view mirrors to cover the remaining blind spots.
• Physically looking back over your shoulder is also a crucial final layer of security that covers anything missed by the backup camera or side-view mirror check.

Backup accidents continue to happen

While backup cameras are beneficial for improving safety on the road, accidents can happen, and the driver may be held liable even if the camera is not functioning properly. With issues like reduced field of vision, video lag, and the risk of becoming overly reliant on the technology, it’s important to remember that the backup camera is only an aid, not a substitute for traditional reversing techniques.

If you’ve been in a truck reversing accident, the resulting aftermath can be overwhelming, especially when one or more liable parties are involved, as in cases involving manufacturer fault or product failure. Getting legal help is crucial for dealing with such situations in an organized, timely manner, that provides you the peace of mind necessary to focus on recovery. An experienced truck accident lawyer can understand your legal rights and clarify them to you, as well as identify all responsible parties, handle documentation, and guide you through the process step by step.

If you or your loved one has been involved in a truck accident, reach out to a truck accident lawyer at Soroka & Associates in Columbus. We have the experience and resources to handle cases involving backup camera accidents and complex liability issues. Our team is committed to making the process as smooth as possible for you and ensuring you receive the representation you deserve. Call our office today at 614-858-3744 or fill out our online contact form for a free evaluation.