Calls for compulsory bumper cameras

By ninemsn staff

There are renewed calls to make rear bumper cameras mandatory in all cars after an investigation discovered how many Australian vehicles are at the mercy of dangerous blind spots when reversing.

While some people believe that 4WDs are the most dangerous, the NRMA survey of almost 200 cars discovered that many popular sedans, people movers and small cars are actually the most hazardous.

Some cars have reversing blind spots of up to 15 metres — spelling serious safety concerns for small children.

Currently, one child is run over in an Australian driveway every week.

"It is a danger," the NRMA's Pam Leicester told National Nine News.

"People need to be aware that there is a large blind space that they just can't see behind their vehicle."

While more 4WDs and luxury cars are now installing rear bumper cameras, the NRMA is now pushing for all cars to have the potentially life-saving devices fitted.

The Mitsubishi 380, Toyota Corolla and Holden Commodore were blasted with a score of zero out of five for rear visibility.

"Without cameras, three of the four most popular family sedans in Australia receive a zero star rating," Leicester said.

While car owners can install the cameras for a few hundred dollars, the NRMA believes the duty of care should rest upon car makers, who would only pay a few dollars per unit on the production line.