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I suspect that backup cameras make the car less safe overall. The reason is that the image from a backup camera is displayed on a screen. Cars with backup cam

I suspect that backup cameras make the car less safe overall. The reason is that the image from a backup camera is displayed on a screen. Cars with backup cameras display information on the screen when the car is moving forward, which can distract the driver. I don't think that means we should do away with backup cameras, but I do think we need to consider the overall impact of a safety feature, not just statistics on scenarios that feature is intended to address.

fyfy18 8y ago
I have a car from 2010 with a backup camera. The screen can be used for navigation and radio control too. However if you turn it off, it stays off unless needed (e.g. you go into reverse or press a physical button to change something on the radio) and turns off again afterward. I agree that always on displays are distracting, especially at night. I prefer to drive with as little light as possible in the car.
sfopdxnonstop 8y ago
The comment you replied to cites stats showing increased safety with the cameras. What kind of personal values lead you to reply saying they are less safe? You should reexamine your motivations, you are promoting human suffering.
sandworm101 8y ago
Cameras today. Tomorrow they will remove the mirrors. Next to go are rear windows. Better fuel economy and cheaper production costs. It is a conspiracy, a public one.
lostapathy 8y ago
Maybe with an improperly installed aftermarket cam. Factory backup cameras only show the rear view when you actually are in reverse. I’ve never even seen a car that would let you turn it in when moving forward if you want to.
- theluketaylor 8y ago
  There are a number of high end cars that let you control the cameras when moving forward. Range Rovers spring to mind where you can select from all the different cameras at anytime, including the reverse camera.
greedo 8y ago
Have you driven a car with a backup camera? All the ones I have shut off the camera view once you engage drive or shift into 1st. The only thing displayed on the screen at that point is navigation or entertainment stuff.
- curlypaul924 8y ago
  I DD a car with a backup camera. It is the nav and entertainment stuff that I find distracting.

fyfy18 8y ago

I have a car from 2010 with a backup camera. The screen can be used for navigation and radio control too. However if you turn it off, it stays off unless needed (e.g. you go into reverse or press a physical button to change something on the radio) and turns off again afterward. I agree that always on displays are distracting, especially at night. I prefer to drive with as little light as possible in the car.

sfopdxnonstop 8y ago

The comment you replied to cites stats showing increased safety with the cameras. What kind of personal values lead you to reply saying they are less safe? You should reexamine your motivations, you are promoting human suffering.

sandworm101 8y ago

Cameras today. Tomorrow they will remove the mirrors. Next to go are rear windows. Better fuel economy and cheaper production costs. It is a conspiracy, a public one.

lostapathy 8y ago

Maybe with an improperly installed aftermarket cam. Factory backup cameras only show the rear view when you actually are in reverse. I’ve never even seen a car that would let you turn it in when moving forward if you want to.

theluketaylor 8y ago
There are a number of high end cars that let you control the cameras when moving forward. Range Rovers spring to mind where you can select from all the different cameras at anytime, including the reverse camera.

greedo 8y ago

Have you driven a car with a backup camera? All the ones I have shut off the camera view once you engage drive or shift into 1st. The only thing displayed on the screen at that point is navigation or entertainment stuff.

curlypaul924 8y ago
I DD a car with a backup camera. It is the nav and entertainment stuff that I find distracting.