On March 31, 2014, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the issuance of a final rule which requires rear visibility technology in all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds by May, 2018. “This new rule enhances the safety of these vehicles by significantly reducing the risk of fatalities and serious injuries caused by backover accidents.” See NHTSA release here: http://www.nhtsa.gov/About+NHTSA/Press+Releases/2014/NHTSA+Announces+Final+Rule+Requiring+Rear+Visibility+Technology.
This rule requires all vehicles under 10,000 pounds, including buses and trucks, that are manufactured on or after May 1, 2018 to be equipped with rear visibility technology. The goal is to expand the field of view a driver has behind him or her to detect any persons or objects that may be in the path of the vehicle. The field of view must include a 10 foot by 20 foot zone directly behind the vehicle and must meet other requirements including image size, linger time, response time, durability and deactivation.
Photo courtesy of ShashiBellamkonda
There are approximately 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries each year, on average, caused by backover incidents. 31% of these injuries and deaths are found to be of children under 5 years of age. Adults 70 and over account for another 26% of these injuries and fatalities. NHTSA hopes to reduce the number of deaths and injuries with the advancement and requirement of this new technology in vehicles. And, while many manufacturers are already employing this new technology in their vehicles, it is expected that after the technology becomes mandatory in 2018, 58 to 69 lives can be saved each year as a result of the rear visibility systems.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries and/or death as a result of a motor vehicle or commercial truck crash, contact the Law Offices of John David Hart at 800-247-1623 or johnhart@hartlaw.com to discuss your legal rights. We are experienced in helping individuals and families deal with the devastating effects of the injuries suffered in these types of incidents on the lives of those involved and are dedicated to helping you during this difficult time.
