With each passing year, manufacturers release new car models with more and more safety features and smart technology. The backup camera is not necessarily one of the latest breakthroughs anymore, but it has become a feature that many drivers expect when purchasing a new vehicle.
The question remains as to whether or not backup cameras truly help to prevent motor vehicle accidents. By understanding the benefits of using a backup camera, you can better see the effects that this technology has on accident statistics.
What are backup cameras?
Backup cameras are special cameras attached to the rear of a vehicle, providing video to a display screen mounted on the vehicle’s dashboard. The point of view given by a backup camera tends to be more useful in gauging the distance between your vehicle and other objects behind you as compared to your rearview mirror. Some backup cameras come equipped with backup warning systems and rear cross-traffic alerts.
How do backup cameras help prevent accidents?
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides statistics showing the effectiveness of various smart technologies in deterring crashes. This data shows that rearview cameras can lower the number of backup crashes by 17%. Backup systems with rear cross-traffic alerts are even more effective, decreasing the number of backing crashes by as much as 22%.
While backing crashes do not often result in catastrophic injury, that does not mean that drivers should neglect to do their part in preventing these types of accidents in the first place. Effective use of backup cameras can make roads and parking lots a little bit safer for everyone.
