Rear cameras to be required in new vehicles in 2018

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Monday issued a final rule requiring rear cameras in all new vehicles 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.
 
"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."

On average, there are 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries per year caused by backover crashes.  NHTSA has found that children under 5 years old account for 31 percent of backover fatalities each year, and adults 70 years of age and older account for 26 percent.

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