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The simple answer is that backup cameras are required by regulation for safety, whereas dashcams don't increase safety.

by oh_sigh 3y ago

mbrameld 3y ago
> whereas dashcams don't increase safety I'd like to see your source for that claim!
- oh_sigh 3y ago
  Well, maybe the observer effect comes into play, but they don't directly, actively impact safety in the manner that backup cameras do.
SoftTalker 3y ago
Reversing cameras don't increase safety on my cars, because I still turn my head and use the mirrors. Old habits die hard.
- mcast 3y ago
  You would still have a major blind spot if a child or small animal is directly behind your car. The NHTSA estimated it would save over 70 lives per year (an underestimate), which is invaluable considering the small cost.
  - SoftTalker 3y ago
    True, although I already check behind/around my car before I set off. I appreciate the motivitions of those who think technology is the answer to accident prevention but now you are discouraging people from developing proper safety habits ("I don't need to check around my car because the cameras/sensors will tell me if I'm going to hit something") and then one day a sensor fails or they are driving a car that doesn't have this technology. I already see this with my wife who has those little blinker lights in her side mirrors that warn if a car is next to you when you are changing lanes. She doesn't really look anymore, just makes sure the lights aren't blinking. I always turn my head and look; I don't trust the sensors and I also set my side mirrors to cover the typical blind spot. https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15131074/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots/ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15131074/how-to-adjus...
  - jayknight 3y ago
    And for those of us who drive minivans, there are huge areas that you just can't see without a back up camera. You still look out windows and check all your mirrors, but being able to see the ground behind your car is important.
- newaccount74 3y ago
  Unfortunately rear windows have been getting smaller and smaller, so without backup cameras you have very limited vision.
- mrguyorama 3y ago
  Which is why the car will likely have other sensors that yell at you when you are trying to back out and a small object or person is in your blind spot. My backup camera can just see more than I can from the drivers seat, because it is on the very back of the car, which is very useful when my small hatchback is constantly dwarfed by megatrucks on all sides in every parking lot.

The simple answer is that backup cameras are required by regulation for safety, whereas dashcams don't increase safety.

mbrameld 3y ago

> whereas dashcams don't increase safety I'd like to see your source for that claim!

oh_sigh 3y ago
Well, maybe the observer effect comes into play, but they don't directly, actively impact safety in the manner that backup cameras do.

SoftTalker 3y ago

Reversing cameras don't increase safety on my cars, because I still turn my head and use the mirrors. Old habits die hard.

mcast 3y ago
You would still have a major blind spot if a child or small animal is directly behind your car. The NHTSA estimated it would save over 70 lives per year (an underestimate), which is invaluable considering the small cost.
- SoftTalker 3y ago
  True, although I already check behind/around my car before I set off. I appreciate the motivitions of those who think technology is the answer to accident prevention but now you are discouraging people from developing proper safety habits ("I don't need to check around my car because the cameras/sensors will tell me if I'm going to hit something") and then one day a sensor fails or they are driving a car that doesn't have this technology. I already see this with my wife who has those little blinker lights in her side mirrors that warn if a car is next to you when you are changing lanes. She doesn't really look anymore, just makes sure the lights aren't blinking. I always turn my head and look; I don't trust the sensors and I also set my side mirrors to cover the typical blind spot. https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15131074/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots/ https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15131074/how-to-adjus...
- jayknight 3y ago
  And for those of us who drive minivans, there are huge areas that you just can't see without a back up camera. You still look out windows and check all your mirrors, but being able to see the ground behind your car is important.
newaccount74 3y ago
Unfortunately rear windows have been getting smaller and smaller, so without backup cameras you have very limited vision.
mrguyorama 3y ago
Which is why the car will likely have other sensors that yell at you when you are trying to back out and a small object or person is in your blind spot. My backup camera can just see more than I can from the drivers seat, because it is on the very back of the car, which is very useful when my small hatchback is constantly dwarfed by megatrucks on all sides in every parking lot.