The United States is now going to test how drivers can use cameras in lieu of the traditional rearview mirrors in automobiles. This technology is already prevalent in other countries.
According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it will administer the test to determine if there are marked differences between drivers of cars with traditional mirrors and those with camera-based visibility systems, in terms of their driving behavior as well as execution of lane changes, as reported by Reuters. The agency's action may be long overdue.
it can be remembered that back in March 2014, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which is a trade group representing General Motors Co, Toyota Motor Corp., and other big car manufacturers, already petitioned NHTSA to utilize camera-based rear or side-vision systems.
In 2015, a similar petition was filed, this time by Daimler AG. According to the company, the agency should approve camera use instead of rearview mirrors specifically in heavy-duty trucks. Years passed, and no action has been taken on these petitions. As of now, these petitions are even pending.
NHTSA in 2018, however, did say that it was studying the issue. This time, however, it seems to have arrived at a conclusion that this is already necessary, given the wide use of this technology in other countries. It will first conduct the testing on passenger vehicles before moving towards larger vehicles.
Usually, auto manufacturers add front and rear cameras to help drivers maneuver their cars for parking, but in other countries now, side cameras are increasingly being added for additional visibility, which means additional safety. In fact, technology is now approved in both Europe and Japan.
Mirrorless systems are "an example of where automotive technology is ahead of the legislative curve," according to Mark Dahncke, which is the spokesman of Audi of America.
Last year, Toyota already started to market the Lexus ES in Japan. This car has cameras instead of side mirrors. Volkswagen followed suit, with its Audi E-Tron Model. This is being sold in Europe as early as December of 2018. The United States could very well be left behind on this front.
The statement from the agency also showed that the test would "involve track-based and on-road, semi-naturalistic driving" wherein drivers will be presented with "multi-lane traffic scenarios while using the outside rearview mirrors or alternative system during lane changes and other typical driving situations."
This is a good development. Aside from safety, Slash Gear reported that traditional wing mirrors often add to aerodynamic drag and generate wind noise.
