A plea for backup cameras on cars

[Vipergrün]

Dear friends, we have just been informed of a tragic fatal accident involving the 4 year old daughter of family friends.

She was run over in her driveway while riding her bike. The person backing out did not see her.

This tragedy could have been avoided with the installation of an aftermarket backup camera.

I encourage all of you to go hug your kids, then seriously consider installing a backup camera on your car. Please be extra diligent when driving while kids are near.

[notfarnow]

That's horrible, I can't imagine having to help friends through something like that. Sorry for your loss.

My wife doesn't understand why I always back into driveways, parking spaces, etc. That is why. When you are pulling up, you generally have a clear view of everything that's going on. But when you are getting ready to leave, it may be clear when you are getting in the car, but an awful lot can happen in the few seconds it takes to get your seat belt on, adjust the radio, buckle up. I'd rather be looking straight ahead. Having said all that, I don't think technology is the answer here.

Again, my condolences

[daepp]

First thing I saw in my new backup camera monitor on my new car was a stroller - albeit empty, but nevertheless a very valuable addition. But so too are the backup sensors - and they "announce" with a beep regardless if you're looking in the monitor or not.

[TerryH]

Very sad to hear. Death of a child and deep guilt of family or friend. Most SUV's have backup alarm radar as an option. The BEEP that gets quicker as you get closer to an stationary object. Not sure how effective that may be with a moving bicycle involved. Like airbags, traction control, etc. it could be standard equipment on all vehicles in the near future.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

Whatever happened to people actually turning their heads around and looking at what's behind them before putting it in reverse? Seems like these days everyone either just uses a mirror (bad) or relies on a camera (better, but I don't think it's a substitute for good old-fashioned common-sense and good procedures).

[Tishabet]

Very sorry to hear this Vipergrün.

[daepp]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

Whatever happened to people actually turning their heads around and looking at what's behind them before putting it in reverse? Seems like these days everyone either just uses a mirror (bad) or relies on a camera (better, but I don't think it's a substitute for good old-fashioned common-sense and good procedures).

In my first case, I turned around and looked back. Then looked forward, then looked in the monitor and saw that the mom next to me who was loading her babe in the car had pushed the stroller behind the car. It happened faster than you would think - just bad timing I guess.

If I had to have one or the other, I would pick the backup radar, as I don't always remember to look into the monitor.

[Rikao4]

sorry to hear Viper,

I do think Jeff makes a good point..
me..for yrs I go and get java on my way to work,
always caught the same p-spot
except that day..
get the java, reverse..bang ..
who put that telephone pole there..
been there for yrs..I assumed & didn't look.
few yrs back..I park in the breezeway...
when you walk out you see my car..
I hit your car Rika..WTF..
well you NEVER park there..
he had millions of miles/ no accident's..until the day he didn't look.

Look, and if kids are around BE aware..

Rika

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

Whatever happened to people actually turning their heads around and looking at what's behind them before putting it in reverse? Seems like these days everyone either just uses a mirror (bad) or relies on a camera (better, but I don't think it's a substitute for good old-fashioned common-sense and good procedures).

Your right, common sense and being careful are lacking these days. People just don't think. But our vehicles are part of the problem. Hop up in a Ford Explorer, and turn around, and look all you like. There is still a huge blind spot. As we have shifted towards SUVs and Trucks, it has increased the chances of this happening. Its happened at least twice this year in WA, once with a pickup truck, and once with a Ford Expedition.

Our Lexus (2003 model) has a back up camera, and it was deciding factor over the MB320 we were also considering. They didn't even offer it as an option on the MB, which we found inexcusable.

The fact that they have not been mandated for SUVs and Trucks is sad. The costs are really not that high, and they don't require you to have an entire nav system installed.

[stomachmonkey]

Sorry to hear. Just Awful.

When I pull out it's at about 1/4 MPH, literally as slow as I can go.

If I see kids out as I'm getting into my car I make them all stand in one spot before I get in the car.

We have a TON of kids on our block. It's basic policy that at least one adult is out at all times watching the kids.

[Christien]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

Whatever happened to people actually turning their heads around and looking at what's behind them before putting it in reverse?

SUVs. That's what.

[notfarnow]

Originally Posted by Christien

SUVs. That's what.

Even with sedans, I'm surprised by how poor the rear view is on newer cars.

With my dad's '81 300sd, I have a wonderful full view backing up. With my '99 e300d, the trunk is so high it's really hard to see what's behind me. Hence backing in when I arrive, and I know what's around.

[Tim Walsh]

Originally Posted by notfarnow

Even with sedans, I'm surprised by how poor the rear view is on newer cars.

With my dad's '81 300sd, I have a wonderful full view backing up. With my '99 e300d, the trunk is so high it's really hard to see what's behind me. Hence backing in when I arrive, and I know what's around.

Yep! With my CRX and miata I don't think I could miss a squirrel if it was behind me, but I test drove a new GTI, it's got awful rear view visibility.

[tcar]

Is there any way to retrofit these to an older vehicle. Reasonably inexpensively?

[JavaBrewer]

Most of the family sized Detroit iron of the 60's-70's were not any better than a typical SUV of today.

Tragic story Brad. A Mom down the street backed over her young daughter in the driveway. Daughter survived with a crushed pelvis and broken legs.

[notfarnow]

Originally Posted by dmoolenaar

Most of the family sized Detroit iron of the 60's-70's were not any better than a typical SUV of today.

Tragic story Brad. A Mom down the street backed over her young daughter in the driveway. Daughter survived with a crushed pelvis and broken legs.

Good point. My wife was backed over by a large wagon when she was 4. Broken hip & leg.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by Porsche-O-Phile

Whatever happened to people actually turning their heads around and looking at what's behind them before putting it in reverse? Seems like these days everyone either just uses a mirror (bad) or relies on a camera (better, but I don't think it's a substitute for good old-fashioned common-sense and good procedures).

Bingo.

[David]

Sorry to hear. This is my wife's excuss for alway backing her car into the garage so she always leaves straight out.

[jtfreels]

We put a backup camera on my son's car. $70 at Costco and about an hours work.

[jyl]

Backup cameras are good things to have.

For a SUV or minivan with a near-vertical rear window, a good alternative is a stick-on fresnel lens. Cost $10 or so.