Backup cameras mandated for all cars for 2018 (US & Canada)

[MetroMPG]

People are often reluctant to back into spots in public, especially when it means another driver might have to wait for 5 seconds. Social nicety? Performance anxiety?

Another option is just pull to the side with the signal on and wave them past before doing the maneuver.

[nemo]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

^ that's why it's better to REVERSE INTO parking spots, unless you can drive straight through.

This was one of the basics when I was teaching defensive driving. You'll notice many "professional" drivers reverse in.

It's arguably more fuel efficient, too.

It surprising how many place do not allow back in parking.

[MetroMPG]

I honestly don't know of any around here.

Though I have seen a "don't back in" sign on an apartment in another city that had parking right against the building below windows/balconies.

[nemo]

This seems to be prevalent here in government parking and condominiums. No front tag can't be easily scanned?

[MetroMPG]

Ah, could be. We've got plates on front & rear here.

[iveyjh]

I am against any "Big Brother" mandates, recommended OK.

[Xist]

Someone commented on here a while ago that his neighbor had a back-up camera and backed into his car twice. Somehow I compare backing up with a backup camera to taking a picture of yourself in the mirror and looking at the camera. Backing up, why look at the small screen instead of the large window? Taking pictures, why look at the small screen instead of the large mirror?

However...

The camera is lower than the window, which seems to be the entire point of the mandate. I could not see a one year-old behind my Civic, but he or she would show up in a back-up camera.

I think I always combat parked, even before I joined the Army, but if we could not pull through, we always reversed in--with a ground guide. People regularly act upset that I am combat parking, but people regularly act upset with anything I do that is different.

The same people probably demand that I accept their individuality.

Mom complains every time that I back in. I admit that it takes longer, but I get that time back when I drive away.

[redpoint5]

Originally Posted by Xist

Backing up, why look at the small screen instead of the large window?

I consult the screen first to ensure there are no objects in my blind spot, then look behind me to see the bigger picture. I'll then look at the screen when getting close to other objects, such as parallel parking. Best of all worlds.

I find using the camera difficult when backing up a trailer. I've only ever looked behind me, so looking at the screen results in wonky steering.

[Xist]

My steering with a trailer is always wonky!

We just need to make hatches out of transparent aluminum!

[RedDevil]

I used to have a Fresnel lens on my rear hatch window.
It was the best of both worlds, combining a good view to ground level just behind the car while looking through the window like you'd do anyway.

It is gone long ago, it got deformed in a heat wave IIRC.