Reverse-view cameras mandatory in the US from 2018

The US Department of Transportation's safety watchdog, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), claims the mandatory fitment of reverse-view or "back-up" cameras aims to prevent motorists from hitting pedestrians while reversing.

The agency said the mandate could save 69 lives per year - it claims there are 210 fatalities as a result of reversing incidents in the US every year, while 15,000 people are injured.

"Rear visibility requirements will save lives, and will save many families from the heartache suffered after these tragic incidents occur," said David Friedman, acting administrator of the NHTSA. "We're already recommending this kind of life-saving technology through our NCAP program and encouraging consumers to consider it when buying cars today."

The reverse-view camera systems are estimated to cost car makers as little as $US45 ($48.50) in vehicles fitted with a suitable display screen, or $US142 ($153) for vehicles without. The camera systems must provide the driver a vision zone of approximately 3 metres by 6 metres, and the image size and how long it is displayed for will also be standardised.

The mandate has been years in the making - it was originally scheduled to come into play by 2014, but a series of delays have held it back. The NHTSA predicts 73 per cent of all vehicles (cars, SUVs, utes and trucks) under 4500kg will be fitted with reverse-view cameras by 2018, regardless of the new law.

A recent US study found reverse-view cameras to be the most affective means of rearward vision assistance, mirroring the findings published by NRMA Insurance's Reversing Visibility Index.

What do you think? Should reverse-view cameras be made mandatory? Have your say in the comments section below.