On May 1, 2018, all new cars will have back-up cameras, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) ruled on Monday.
According to CNN Money, the NHTSA said that the move could save more than 60 deaths a year caused by injuries when cars back up. It further said an average of 210 fatalities are being reported every year, a third of which are children.
According to CNET, the rule requires all vehicles under 10,000 pounds to be fitted with a rear view camera that can give users a feed on a dashboard screen. The camera should provide a field of vision at least 10 feet wide and 20 feet behind the vehicle.
"We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable victims of back-over accidents--our children and seniors. As a father, I can only imagine how heart wrenching these types of accidents can be for families, but we hope that today's rule will serve as a significant step toward reducing these tragic accidents," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a statement.
According to USA Today, the long-pending move has seen multiple delays since Congress passed a law in 2007 directing the Transport Department to make a rule requiring all vehicles to have cameras or back-up warning devices by 2011.
"Today, the government has stepped forward as a strong advocate for cameras on cars, and this action helps pave the way for using cameras in other ways on vehicles," the Auto Alliance said in a statement, according to CNN Money.
CNET said that while some advocated 180 degree cameras, automakers stated that 130 degree cameras would be adequate when combined with mirrors.
The rule comes at a time when many automakers provide such a feature in their cars. The move is expected to cost $140 per vehicle in cars without dashboard screens, estimated NHTSA.
