Do reverse cameras really improve safety when reversing?

[Silver Ghia]

In todays Herald-Sun newspaper

Mazda boss defends reversing camera omission
Richard Blackburn

Mazda Australia boss Martin Benders raised eyebrows at a media conference this week when he questioned the role of reversing cameras as a safety aid.
The entry level Neo model of the popular Mazda3 doesn't have a reversing camera, and many expected the brand to fit one as standard when it announced a pricing adjustment as a result of the free trade agreement with Japan.

Instead, the brand made rear parking sensors and alloy wheels standard on the Neo, despite the fact that some of the cheapest cars on the market — including the Toyota Yaris and Honda Jazz — now have cameras as standard equipment.

"It might surprise you," Benders said, "but I don't have a string of customer complaints or comments saying, 'where's my reversing camera?'"

There is no silver bullet to stop accidents

Benders said a reversing camera shouldn't be relied on to guard against driveway tragedies involving young children.

"I don't see the driveway as being a place where kids should be walking around in the first place," he said.

"I expect that people who drive cars take care and attention about how they drive their cars. Reversing cameras are not infallible. They're more an aid but so are reverse parking sensors and they will pick up obstacles in the same way."

He later clarified his comments, saying he hadn't meant to be dismissive about the cameras, but was making the point that drivers had to take responsibility for road safety, rather than rely on crash-avoidance technology.

"There is no silver bullet to stop accidents," he said.

I agree with him. Reversing cameras only show the area behind the vehicle, and forces the driver to concentrate on the dash screen in front of them when reversing, and become oblivious to what may be happening elsewhere around the car. Drivers get a false sense of security with cameras. Without a camera the driver, if looking properly, should notice objects that may otherwise be out of camera view. Reverse sensors can then pick up any objects missed, acting as a proper backup safety feature.

For example, a couple of months ago I was following a 4WD vehicle in a carpark, suddenly it swung to the right and stopped without any indication of where it was going to go. Then it started reversing and then I realised it was reversing into an empty car space to my left, level with my front bumper. Obviously I was not in the cameras field of view and he kept coming, I couldn't reverse back as there was a car right behind me. The 4WD RH front guard was swinging around heading toward the front of my wifes little VW polo, so I had to sound the horn. I could see he was staring at the dash, oblivious to what was happening, I had to sound the horn 3 times before he realised and fortunately stopped.

This instance confirmed my thoughts on reverse cameras. They are way overrated as a safety aid. All they do is save the driver from having to turn their head around when reversing.

[Franco Cozzo]

They're pretty good on vehicles with view obstruction out the back, my Ambo you couldn't see out the back and the camera and reverse sensors were on all the time so you could see who/what was directly behind you and at what distance even while driving on the highway.

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

They're pretty good on vehicles with view obstruction out the back, my Ambo you couldn't see out the back and the camera and reverse sensors were on all the time so you could see who/what was directly behind you and at what distance even while driving on the highway.

Fair enough. But drivers need to be educated to also look out the windows and mirrors, not just the screen when reversing.

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Fair enough. But drivers need to be educated to also look out the windows and mirrors, not just the screen when reversing.

You can turn your head on a swivel all you like, you still can't see behind the car. A reverse camera screen isn't meant to be the only thing you use when reversing. It's used like your mirrors. Your meant to look at everything, mirrors, over the shoulder,reverse screen!

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by 1TUFFUTE

You can turn your head on a swivel all you like, you still can't see behind the car. A reverse camera screen isn't meant to be the only thing you use when reversing. It's used like your mirrors. Your meant to look at everything, mirrors, over the shoulder,reverse screen!

Please re read what I wrote:

Fair enough. But drivers need to be educated to also look out the windows and mirrors, not just the screen when reversing.

But the real problem is that drivers tend to get fixated onto the screen when reversing, especially when reversing into a car space.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Please re read what I wrote:
But the real problem is that drivers tend to get fixated onto the screen when reversing, especially when reversing into a car space.

Your judgement is on one drivers stupidity, they do have a role as an extra safety feature to your vehicle, 1TUFFUTE answer is spot on.

You can turn your head on a swivel all you like, you still can't see behind the car. A reverse camera screen isn't meant to be the only thing you use when reversing. It's used like your mirrors. Your meant to look at everything, mirrors, over the shoulder,reverse screen!

I installed a reverse camera for many reasons & find it does increase safety.

[1TUFFUTE]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Please re read what I wrote:



But the real problem is that drivers tend to get fixated onto the screen when reversing, especially when reversing into a car space.

sorry I was more adding to what you said...not opposing it. ALL GOOD

[LTDHO]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Fair enough. But drivers need to be educated to also look out the windows and mirrors, not just the screen when reversing.

Unlike they do on the ad!

The reverse camera is a brilliant tool if used with mirrors and windows, however I feel most people will rely solely on the camera and nothing else.

IMO, all trucks should have them fitted to trailers as a mandatory requirement.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by LTDHO

Unlike they do on the ad!

The reverse camera is a brilliant tool if used with mirrors and windows, however I feel most people will rely solely on the camera and nothing else.

IMO, all trucks should have them fitted to trailers as a mandatory requirement.

Why just truck trailers! why not make every vehicle!

[irish2]

Originally Posted by trublu

Why just truck trailers! why not make every vehicle!

Definitely won't be putting one on my Mustang. Even if it was law.

[Lunch]

My missus has been reversing into our garage for 9 years, last year she got a new car with a reverse camera, she has never struggled more than what she does now, for her, its more of a hinderance i think.
And dont bother trying to use it when its raining, just 1 drop of water on it and u cant see squat

[vztrt]

They're good for blind spots in cars, SUV's Utes as modern cars seem worse then 15-20 years ago. But like reversing sensors it doesn't stop crap drivers from hitting things. I've seen plenty of modern cars that have damage from items that may have been prevented if they had have been aware whats behind them instead of relying on the tech.

[blueoval]

I reckon reverse sensors would be more beneficial. Reverse cameras are ok, but yeah you would want to make sure you are still doing your mirror checks as well.

[Thornie]

My missus still managed to back into the garage door even with a reversing camera. because most of them dont show above the rear boot garnish.

[rancidpunx]

Great idea to see whats directly behind you but its just like every other safety feature that finds its way into new cars. Average people who see driving a a chore and an alternative to public transport who dont take any enjoyment from behind the wheel are relying on this type of thing too much. How many people put the car into reverse and then just watch the screen, no mirrors, no blind spot check. I had a client reverse her new Hyundai out of her garage right into a pole offset to her left. She groaned but admitted to just watching the camera. The pole has been there for as long as she has owned the house.
The reality is this type of Safety feature is further dumbing down drivers where as it should be a tool that helps make people better drivers.

[adumb]

I probably still use my mirrors more. Really only use the camera to either get really close to the back of my garage or make sure I am far enough forward in a car park.

[FGX335]

I jump in my wife's car, and can back that thing into a car park twice as quick as in my car where I am questioning the gap I have. My wife hated reverse parking, but now does it at the drop of a hat with the camera.

No, it shouldn't be relied on as gospel, but they are bloody handy and I am looking forward to getting one on the XR.

[Road_Warrior]

With the Tez I find myself looking at the reversing camera a lot more than my rear view mirror when reversing. It's a bad habit, I guess because it is there.

Whereas in my BA I use the mirrors as I normally would.

[OffRoadFalcon]

As far as I see it, reverse cameras are to act as an aid, not to be relied upon. Just something to used to help aid safe reversing. I'd still be using the mirrors and turning around to look behind.
Definitely see the benefit of them, but the key is not to rely on it and still use all of the usual safety skills as well!

[brismike]

Short answer to the OP question is >>>>>>> 'Yes they do'

Cheers Mike

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by brismike

Short answer to the OP question is >>>>>>> 'Yes they do'

Cheers Mike

Even when the majority of drivers only look at the screen, and nothing else?

[brismike]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Even when the majority of drivers only look at the screen, and nothing else?

How do you know a majority of drivers only look at the screen? Have you got hard data on that or is it just an assumption?

Personally I look at the reverse screen, reverse mirror, side mirrors, & shoulder check.

I stand by my original reply. Yes they do help.

Cheers Mike

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by brismike

How do you know a majority of drivers only look at the screen? Have you got hard data on that or is it just an assumption?

Personally I look at the reverse screen, reverse mirror, side mirrors, & shoulder check.

I stand by my original reply. Yes they do help.

Cheers Mike

Maybe I should have said "I suspect many...". I have seen them in shopping centres while walking to or from the car, staring at the screen while reversing. And that guy that nearly ran into me.

Remember that many in AFF are car enthusiasts, so we tend to do the right thing. By the responses here I think most here (including myself) are on the same page regarding this issue; that reverse cameras should be used as a additional aid only and they do help in this regard.

[prydey]

they are good for hooking up to a trailer

[Smoke Pursuit]

They are important.

First thing I do is look at the reverse camera and make sure nothing is behind me, or coming within its angle, then i rely on the mirrors and sensors to do the rest.

[prydey]

i wonder how people survived for decades without them?

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by prydey

i wonder how people survived for decades without them?

They didnt and still dont. Kids get run over all the time.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by Smoke Pursuit

They didnt and still dont. Kids get run over all the time.

really? i don't agree.

yes, there have been some tragic stories, but i don't think you could class it as 'all the time', and it would be difficult to prove if these incidents are more prevalent now than years gone by, or vice versa.

a camera may prevent an accident, but i'm more for targeting the cause rather than the effect. kids and cars dont mix, but too many today don't treat operating a vehicle as serious as they should, and surround themselves with far too many distractions.

i agree with the boss of mazda. sometimes technology is great, but it breeds lazy drivers and bad habits.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by prydey

i agree with the boss of mazda. sometimes technology is great, but it breeds lazy drivers and bad habits.

On the flip side of things it can enhance awareness.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by prydey

i wonder how people survived for decades without them?

The rear ends of cars weren't designed with poor rear vision as they are now.