The move is hoped to eliminate blind spots behind the vehicle. The proposal is part of he Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007, that came about when two-year old Cameron Gulbransen was killed by his father by accident when backing up in the family driveway.
"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 changes we are proposing today will help drivers see into those blind zones directly behind vehicles to make sure it is safe to back up," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
The NHTSA hopes that all carmakers will install such cameras and in-vehicle displays to meet the proposed standards. 10 percent of all cars must comply with the new law by September 2012, 40 percent by September 2013 and 100 percent by the same month of 2014.
"The steps we are taking today will help reduce back-over fatalities and injuries not only to children, but to the elderly, and other pedestrians. And while these changes will make a difference, drivers must remember that no technology can, or should, replace full attention and vigilance when backing up. Always know where your children are before you start your car and make sure you check that there is no one behind you before you back up," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland.
According to NHTSA statistics, a staggering 292 fatalities and 18,000 injuries occur while backing-up a vehicle each year.
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