How Safe Are Vehicle Backup Cameras?

These days, it’s hard to find a new car or truck without a backup camera. Over the years, these cameras have gone from luxury add-ons to required safety features. And for good reason — no one wants to be the cause of a tragic backover accident.

Backup cameras were designed to reduce that kind of danger. The idea is simple: Give drivers a clear view of what’s behind them to help avoid hitting pedestrians, pets, or objects, especially in driveways, parking lots, or narrow alleys.

Still, mishaps occur even with this increased visibility. And when they do, issues of liability and fault can quickly become complex. Speaking with a car accident lawyer will help you know your rights and choices if you were hurt in a Pennsylvania backover or reversing accident.

So, the question remains: Exactly how safe are vehicle backup cameras? Furthermore, given liability and the law, what should Pennsylvania drivers know about the boundaries of this technology?

Let’s take a closer look.

How vehicle backup cameras work

Right above the rear license plate is a backup camera (also called a rearview or reversing camera). When you shift into reverse, the camera starts and sends a live video feed to your dashboard screen. Certain systems even display directions on how to avoid objects or park straight.

More advanced versions include features like cross-traffic alerts or proximity sensors. They can be extremely helpful, especially for larger vehicles with significant blind spots.

Since May 2018, all new vehicles sold in the U.S. are required by federal law to have backup cameras as standard equipment. That rule comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The safety benefits of backup cameras

Let’s start with the good news. Backup cameras do improve visibility, and they’ve likely prevented thousands of accidents. These cameras can help identify young children, dogs, bicycles, and other low-profile hazards that could be undetectable through your rear window or mirrors by showing the area straight behind your automobile.

In fact, a Traffic Injury Prevention (TIP) study estimates that backup cameras can reduce backover crashes by 17%, and that number may grow as drivers learn to use the cameras effectively.

Other benefits include:

• Helping drivers park more accurately.
• Reducing minor fender benders in tight spaces.
• Lowering the chances of damaging property, like mailboxes, curbs, or shopping carts.

So yes, they’re useful. But are they foolproof?

The limits of backup cameras

Unfortunately, backup cameras aren’t perfect. They’re a tool, not a solution. And relying on them alone can create a false sense of security.

Here are a few common problems drivers may encounter:

• Blind spots still exist: Backup cameras offer a wide-angle view, but they don’t cover everything. Side views and low corners may still be hidden.
• Environmental factors matter: Rain, snow, or dirt can obscure the camera lens. Glare from the sun or headlights can make the screen hard to see.
• Overconfidence is dangerous: Some drivers forget to check mirrors or turn their heads when backing up. They trust the screen too much.

If a driver backs up without looking around and causes an accident, having a camera won’t excuse them from their fault. And under Pennsylvania law, the driver is still held responsible for exercising reasonable care behind the wheel.

Backup car accidents and liability in Pennsylvania

So, who’s at fault if a driver with a backup camera hits someone?

In Pennsylvania, fault is determined based on negligence. If a driver fails to take reasonable steps to avoid an accident, like checking mirrors, looking over their shoulder, or driving slowly in reverse, they can be held liable. Having a backup camera doesn’t reduce that duty.

If you’re involved in a crash where someone backed into you and relied solely on their backup camera, you may have grounds to pursue a claim. It all depends on the details.

And remember, Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you’re partially at fault (say, for walking behind a reversing car without checking), your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of blame. But as long as you’re less than 51% at fault, you may still be entitled to damages.

That’s where a car accident lawyer can help. Sorting through video footage, witness statements, and other evidence requires experience. A skilled attorney will know how to build a strong case, especially if the other driver was careless or distracted.

Can backup camera footage be used in a car accident claim?

Yes, in some cases. Many newer vehicles store short clips of camera footage, either in internal memory or linked to a dash cam system. If preserved properly, that footage can support your version of events or contradict the other driver’s.

However, not all backup cameras record. And retrieving the footage isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes, a court order is necessary to access the vehicle’s data.

That’s another reason to speak with a car accident lawyer early if you’ve been injured. An attorney can take quick action to preserve evidence before it’s deleted or lost.

Backup cameras and pedestrian safety

One of the original motivations for making backup cameras mandatory was to reduce the number of children killed in backover accidents. While progress has been made, it’s important to understand the limits.

A child can still dart behind a vehicle faster than a driver can react. And even with a clear camera view, a moment’s distraction is all it takes. According to KidsAndCars.org, at least 50 children are backed over by vehicles in the U.S. every week — a sobering reminder that technology alone isn’t enough.

Backup cameras are helpful — but not perfect

Backup cameras have absolutely made driving safer in the past few years. They help drivers see things they might miss by solely relying on their mirrors. But they aren’t foolproof. They can’t replace careful driving, checking mirrors, or looking over your shoulder. And unfortunately, accidents still happen, even with all the latest technology at our fingertips.

If you’ve been injured in a backover accident or any type of crash in Pennsylvania, you may be wondering what to do next. That’s where an experienced car accident lawyer can help.

Motor vehicle accidents can make your life difficult; choosing the right car accident lawyer serving Pennsylvania shouldn’t be. We have the skills, experience, and resources you want on your side. Please call Carmody and Ging, Injury & Accident Lawyers, or fill out our contact form to learn more about the benefits of working with a local Pennsylvania car accident lawyer after you have been hurt in a car accident.