Do reverse cameras really improve safety when reversing?

[ultvict]

I can see it both ways, each have its benefits. I have never used a reversing camera, but had sensors on the FG. I found them to be useful particularly for judging distances when getting really close, but it didn't replace looking and judging distances with mirrors etc. I will admit I probably got a bit lazier relying on the sensors for distance, but hasn't hurt be going back to a car with out them.

Though having reverse senses still doesn't help everyone, my ex-girlfriend still managed to reverse into a pole at very low speed with the sensors on my FG

[Feathers]

I don't use them. Even in mum's G6E. Force of habit is to use the mirrors as I was taught. Also because I drive buses for a living and can reverse park them without assistance.

[XBROO]

As a garbo we rely on them, as we have to reverse down tight dead end streets and also out of them on to main roads. But we use our mirrors as well, we have to stop then put truck in reverse and look at the camera first. Because cars will pull up directly behind you and you can't see them in your mirrors.

[Giant Cranium]

Originally Posted by Feathers

I don't use them. Even in mum's G6E. Force of habit is to use the mirrors as I was taught. Also because I drive buses for a living and can reverse park them without assistance.

You may be able to reverse perfect but I bet you hope every time that no one is behind you. A camera would mean that you are positive you are safe to reverse. Then go to doing it as normal

[cheap]

I don't know about safety but I think reverse cameras are worthwhile, the time when a jerk in 911 parked in a non existent spot behind my truck. The look of fear in his face as I started reversing toward him and my tow ball stopped within a mm of his car - priceless.

[deluxe_]

I have it standard on my Focus St and I reckon its the best thing since slice bread. When reversing I obviously keep an eye out on my side mirrors as well but having a reverse camera and sensors is a great combination. You can see your blind spot up close, making the driver more aware of his surroundings.

Don't dismiss it until you tried driving with it.

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by deluxe_

I have it standard on my Focus St and I reckon its the best thing since slice bread. When reversing I obviously keep an eye out on my side mirrors as well but having a reverse camera and sensors is a great combination. You can see your blind spot up close, making the driver more aware of his surroundings.

Don't dismiss it until you tried driving with it.

You do the right thing, but I have a strong suspicion the guy in the 4WD which I mentioned in the OP would not be the only one who only looks at the camera screen while reversing.

And the media doesn't help at all by giving the impression that reverse cameras are the bees knees when it comes to safety while reversing.

If a child walks or rides his/her plastic ride-on side-on toward the rear or rear wheel of a 4WD or SUV, out of the camera range and the driver has not noticed the child because they didn't use their mirrors, I'm sorry, in this type of scenario the camera is dangerous.

Drivers should be educated by TV and newspaper ads that they should use the camera only as an aid when reversing, and must constantly still use their mirrors and turning their head while reversing, to be ready for the unexpected..

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

If a child walks or rides his/her plastic ride-on side-on toward the rear or rear wheel of a 4WD or SUV, out of the camera range and the driver has not noticed the child because they didn't use their mirrors, I'm sorry, in this type of scenario the camera is dangerous.

You do know there are different viewing angles of cameras available up to 170° making it easy to view as if using mirrors, hence the very reason I installed one on my ranger.
I now have peace of mind knowing I have reverse sensors, camera & mirrors to use knowing exactly what is behind in my blind spot.

How people choose to use their equipment is the same as how they choose to drive following road laws.

[BENT_8]

Do they improve safety, yes.

Should they replace the need for competence when driving, no.

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by trublu

You do know there are different viewing angles of cameras available up to 170° making it easy to view as if using mirrors, hence the very reason I installed one on my ranger.
I now have peace of mind knowing I have reverse sensors, camera & mirrors to use knowing exactly what is behind in my blind spot.

How people choose to use their equipment is the same as how they choose to drive following road laws.

But can it look around the corner at a child heading toward just behind the rear wheel? Mirrors look down both sides of the car which the rear camera wouldnt see.

[RANGEREST]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

But can it look around the corner at a child heading toward just behind the rear wheel? Mirrors look down both sides of the car which the rear camera wouldnt see.

Every car has mirrors- at least should have. But not one of them can see around corners either.
It isn't a competition to find which is better, cameras just enhance the view of what is directly behind the vehicle .

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by velvet

Every car has mirrors- at least should have. But not one of them can see around corners either.
It isn't a competition to find which is better, cameras just enhance the view of what is directly behind the vehicle .

I was just commenting on this statement:

Originally Posted by trublu

You do know there are different viewing angles of cameras available up to 170° making it easy to view as if using mirrors, hence the very reason I installed one on my ranger.

On second thoughts maybe this wasn't worded correctly and wasn't what he meant, as his subsequent sentences does clarify use of reverse sensors and mirrors.

[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.

[Vesper Martini]

They are great idea, ill admit I haven't used one yet.
and I like the idea for hooking up a trailer,

But I worry about all the electronic aids. and drivers getting lazy and loosing basic skills

Will the day come that parking assist is used in a driver test?

[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.

[noddy383]

I've never had a reversing camera or sensors, and don't feel the need to install them just yet, but they are my list of things to do when I have the time/money.
I agree very much with the sentiment that they should be used to enhance a driver's vision in combination with the mirrors and windows.
A perfect example is a friend's colleague, who was taking a brand new $750,000 coach out for a test drive and while reversing using the camera only. He managed to use the corner of the roof of the garage as a can-opener down the side of the coach. Not cheap, and a quick look at the mirror could have easily prevented it.

[MercurySilver]

i havent read everyones responses but i still find myself looking over the shoulder thru the back windscreen to line up and also check surroundings, once im straight and all good i look back at the screen to then judge the distance from the towball to the wall, shopping carpark, other cars etc

[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!

[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

[Itsme]

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.

I think the above quote sums it up well, reverse cameras do improve safety but drivers should be aware of their obligations taught to them when driving.

[Kieron]

A reverse camera is just like a rear vision mirror, there to be used as part of the reversing process. Used in this manner (rather than relied upon 100%), it certainly increases safety.

[Yellow_Festiva]

I love my camera. Anyone ever loaded up an unhitched trailer then have to try and reverse your tow vehicle to get the ball and coupling to line up?

I always use the camera as a supplemental aid to reversing. I find that I naturally look around by default, I can't just sit there and reverse whilst staring at the centre of the dash - just doesn't feel right!

Much the same as people naturally reach for the belt when they get in - almost reflex action.

[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.

[chopstar87]

I use all aids in my car when reversing..

I still use my mirrors when reversing, but with the my 300, rear visibility is poor, so I do also use the camera at times for additional assistance. (its placed quiet high in the rear centre boot light and is linked to a 8.4inch screen, which also shows distances, so you do see a lot from it), addition to this it has reversing sensors.. and cross path detection, so it will chime if something is coming from the left or right of the vehicle whilst reversing.

but still with all this tech as a safety net, I still reverse using my mirrors more the anything and just use the tech for assistance to see more if needed.

[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.

[danzvtil]

I rented a VF SV6 with rear camera and cross traffic alert which is an awesome feature when reversing out of a space and the peanuts behind you don't stop. Im sure all the naysayers still bash their washing against a rock instead of the au-to-matic machines that make the user lazy and loose the essential skill of being able to wash their clothes.
The point is, you have 3 mirrors with which to look at when reversing, the camera provides a 4th crucial view that you wont otherwise be able to see.
My last FG work ute, I installed a super cheap camera for $100, because with high sides I was totally blind, and it is surprising the number of numpties who will still walk behind a reversing vehicle even with young children in the shopping centre carpark.

[hawkgirl]

The OH has just picked up a temporary new company station wagon, which does not have the camera but has the sensors. He has never driven a sw before and while he finds it helpful, he still believes the majority of drivers rely too much on these aids and it leads to a decline in driving skills

FWIW i have driven an ex ambo, sedans, utes and wagons and have (so far) not run anyone over or hit anything behind me because I didnt have a camera.

And just curious, what then happens when you need to reverse a trailer, if you can only reverse a car using a camera?

[olfella]

I think they are just that - an aid. Bit like relying on side mirrors when changing lanes, they have limits and you cannot beat turning your head and having a look.

[LTDHO]

Originally Posted by vztrt

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

Have you revers parked a XABC coupe?

Originally Posted by trublu

Why just truck trailers! why not make every vehicle!

Because you can not see vehicles behind you when looking over your shoulder in a truck.

[vztrt]

Originally Posted by LTDHO

Have you revers parked a XABC coupe?

Same as the old super cars. I'm talking about most normal cars were much easier to see out the back then ones that you buy now.