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

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Natalya

I'm surprised people in this thread are seriously trying to argue that backup cameras are a bad idea.

I'm not totally unfavorable to back-up cameras, but what if one doesn't want those fancy "infotainment" systems with their touchscreen interface? I have already seen some cars retrofitted with back-up cameras using a screen integrated to the interior rearview mirror, which also seems (at least for me) more convenient.

[RedDevil]

Originally Posted by Xist

James, the stereo\backup camera would be distracting? I am not trying to stream fooseball games!

DSM, does your $5 mirror show a rabid badger right behind your car?

What would you need THAT for?



That's Theresa May. But why? BTW she's the one on the right.

People are... strange.

[NeilBlanchard]

Our Chevy Bolt EV has a backup camera - and a full 360 view from 4 cameras. Works great!

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by DSMHondaGuy

Why would you want a more expensive and complicated solution, when a $5 mirror works fine?

Because mirrors don't work fine at night. All you get on the road is blinding glare from dickheads who drive vehicles with high-mounted headlights, often following closely without bothering to use low beams. And then there are the ultrabright LED ones...

[jamesqf]

Originally Posted by Xist

James, the stereo\backup camera would be distracting?

Yes, I find even the single DIN unit on mine is distracting when in its default mode, which has one of those audio frequency/intensity bar graphs jumping around. Fortunately, it can be turned off. Same if it shows album art or other things that change.

It's just the way human perception (or at least my perception) works: attention is drawn to things that change. That's why turn signals blink and emergency vehicles have flashing lights...

[DSMHondaGuy]

You know I noticed drivers in Germany were much much better at following the rules of the road. I can't help but feel like this is technological bandages, rather than solutions to the actual problems.

[Xist]

The units I saw just had big buttons on the display. I do not look at mine when I drive, I just hit the scan buttons. I do not believe I have ever had a car with a graphic equalizer. I had one that pretended, but all of the bars went up and down equally and simultaneously. People said Google Maps was much better on their head units than on their phones.

[Daschicken]

Originally Posted by DSMHondaGuy

You know I noticed drivers in Germany were much much better at following the rules of the road.

THIS MAN SPEAKS THE TRUTH! I got to see just how NOT BAD german drivers were on a family trip to Germany and the surrounding countries. Italian drivers are just like US drivers though. On the trip I don't think I saw more than maybe TWO people on their phones. In MERICA' probably about half of our drivers are on the phone. Oh and being able to rent manual cars is awesome.

Just earlier today I got double yellow passed for going 2-4 over the limit. Then the people passing me had the ****ing nerve to look over as if I were the one doing something wrong. If I were a cop, I would be BUSY! That clip will be going in my next(next?) episode of beautiful drivers of georgia.

[DSMHondaGuy]

Originally Posted by Daschicken

THIS MAN SPEAKS THE TRUTH! I got to see just how NOT BAD german drivers were on a family trip to Germany and the surrounding countries. Italian drivers are just like US drivers though. On the trip I don't think I saw more than maybe TWO people on their phones. In MERICA' probably about half of our drivers are on the phone. Oh and being able to rent manual cars is awesome.

Just earlier today I got double yellow passed for going 2-4 over the limit. Then the people passing me had the ****ing nerve to look over as if I were the one doing something wrong. If I were a cop, I would be BUSY! That clip will be going in my next(next?) episode of bad drivers of georgia.

That happens to me 5 days a week (work days) some idiot in a 1980's red Ford pickup always ends up behind me on my way to work doesn't matter if it's a double yellow or what, if he can see around me and there's no oncoming traffic he always over takes. Speed limit is 55, and I drive, 55-60, but that's waaaay to slow for him, he will be out of sight in no time. He could you know leave 5min sooner and drive like a normal person but nah that's to intelligent.

[gumby79]

In unusual fashion for me I didn't read the whole thread but I do have input on the subject.
My personal experience with the backup camera and side view cameras is that attention is focused on the center console instead of on in the direction of intended travel by looking to the right to go left you consider that you have checked your blind spot that is occupied and somebody gets run over. This convenience device (not a safety device) really only helps people with broken necks who can't turn to observe their surroundings. In La were a blinker is only used to indicate that the driver in the lane next to you is driving too slow ; so he /she /it will stomp the skinny pedel to fill the hole you indicated you wanted to fill. So through natural selection you either don't use your blinkers and the side view cameras are unable to function resulting in no improvement and safety, it's actually a reduction in safety if they remove the mirrors in place of the cameras