The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced that it will add rearview video systems to its list of recommended features under its New Car Assessment Program. The addition to the list was made to encourage improved rearview visibility for the nation's motor vehicle fleet and help prevent backover accidents.
Many new vehicles come with the technology already implemented, and, as an extra bonus, include warning beeps and guidelines to alert drivers when they are getting too close to an object or when they have parked the vehicle perfectly.
Don’t worry, owners of older vehicles! Even if your vehicle didn’t come with a rearview camera, there are many available for purchase on the Internet. If you already have a video monitor, cameras can be purchased for under $50; they can cost up to several hundred dollars if you get a monitor with the camera. With a little bit of wiring skill, you can add this extra safety feature in under an hour.