U.S. auto-safety regulators are proposing legislation that would require backup cameras to be installed on all new cars by the year 2014. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are an average of 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries each year as a result of back-over accidents. Nearly 80% of that total involves passenger cars, minivans, and pickup trucks.

Of those injured, the vast majority are children and elderly people. As Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, “There is no more tragic accident than for a parent or caregiver to back out of a garage or driveway and kill or injure an undetected child playing behind the vehicle.” The legislative changes proposed would help eliminate those blind zones behind vehicles to help the driver assure it is safe to back up.

In spite of the incredible costs associated with making such a required change, the automotive industry is so far reacting positively. In a quote from a spokesman from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, it was said that “Given that our top priority is keeping people, especially children, safe in and around autos, the Alliance looks forward to working with regulators to ensure that, in the end, we have enhancements that saves lives and improve safety.”

Sounds like a good idea to me! While my car doesn’t have the camera and video screen that they are assuming most auto manufacturers will use, I have learned to love the safety sensors that beep at me and flash a red light in my rearview mirror when I back up within three feet of a person or object. As always, however much we learn to appreciate and rely on these systems, just remember that they are no replacement for a quick walk around your car before backing out of the garage or a look over both shoulders as you back out of a parking space.

Your friends at Good Works Auto Repair in Mesa and Tempe remind you to drive safe this holiday season!