Posted on 12/05/2010 1:52:45 AM PST by GraceG
The federal government wants automakers to install back-up cameras in all new vehicles starting in late 2014.
The plan, announced Friday, received a strong endorsement from insurance industry and other analysts and is likely to get some level of support from car manufacturers.
"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," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said. "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."
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Good the government is here to stop the millions of children getting run down in driveways....”
Saving them for the death panels for 60 years later??
Looks like something I might look into with my next purchase.
But then again, the feds might save me the trouble and mandate it by then.
It’s like they think that big Black Mercury wont dare hit me! Idiots...
LOL. That’s the mentality. They ARE daring you to hit them, and other than a lawsuit, it’s the criminal aspect of it as well. I drive in L.A. and believe me, these dimwits are really asking for it. I thank God that I’m not PO’d most of the time and if they catch me on a really bad day..I will gladly turn my SUV into Death Race 3000.
Agreed. And government mandated cameras in our lives be it back up, speed, traffic light, or full body scanners at airports, are part of that same goal. Likely the ones defending government mandated cameras on their car support all the above as well.
I have a nice scrape on my rear bumper from an idiot who tried to do just that.
That is why we once had road skills test in driving that included parking in all situations. I used to back tractor trailer rigs with 50' trailers through alleys and even make turns in those alleys. They are 100% blind for about 30 ft directly behind. I never hit anyone and never damaged a truck or trailer doing so.
IF a person can't back with their mirrors and by turning their head to start with all the technology will do is confuse them more. Plus a viewing screen adds another distraction to the process when they should be viewing the mirror or have head turned. Truth is many drivers never learned how to properly use their mirrors much less set them for maximum field of vision.
When I back in to park I have a fresh look at the entire situation and I know where the car is in the space behind me. BTW I am parking a three quarter ton full size full W.B. hi-top conversion van when I do this. My vehicle backs it at a 45 degree angle or less and I straighten up the vehicle alignment so I leave others room as well. But better than backing in is this. Try and find a space where you can pull simply pull through to the opposite one in front and park your car headed out. Problems solved. Peoples driving skills are the problem. Gadgets will not fix that.
OK now let me ask you something. How long do you think mandatory insurance would have lasted had the insurers simply refused to sell it? Moist auto insurers BTW also sell homeowners etc. It's just like the healthcare insurers. Obamacare is something companies like BC/BS have been trying to get pushed through for decades. It gives them a mandatory market. The insurers may yell, kick, and scream in protest when their lobbying efforts tell a completely different story.
I'll offer no defense for any of them because they own a good majority of our lawmakers these days. I'll call them what they are. Corporate Socialist Tyrants using government to guarantee profits.
Forgive me for having an opinion.
You are incorrect, but you're welcome to your opinion.
;^)
Sounds like a wondertful idea to me because I don't want an uninsured and unlicensed driver hitting me. What say you?
Don't flame me folks. I would call it tyrany. I'm just trying to make a point and show what happens once government gets a foot in the car door.
That's an excellent question. I'll tell you exactly how that worked here in New Jersey. Insurance carriers began to do exactly that -- and the state government responded by issuing a mandate for insurance companies to write auto insurance policies as a condition for being licensed to sell any insurance in the state. As a result, companies did one of two things: (1) they pulled out of the state entirely, if auto insurance was their primary business line (for a long time, I believe GEICO refused to sell policies here); or (2) they established separate subsidiaries in New Jersey that enabled them to directly tie their premiums for New Jersey policy holders to their enormous claims in New Jersey. Item (2) was necessary for them because under state law this was the only way for them to legally impose premium hikes beyond the limits imposed by the state.
After a few years of this, the State of New Jersey got really serious about auto insurance reform like never before.
Exactly right!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.