Gentex Corporation says it has reduced the cost of blind spot cameras by integrating the technology into the rear view mirror. The image, which shows a dog's eye view of what's behind the car, is reflected onto the mirror itself for a more complete view.
The company says volume production of the technology could begin within a year. The technology is needed most urgently on higher-riding SUVs and trucks to avoid tragedies such as parents running over their own children.
According to the non-profit Kids and Cars, more than 60 percent of accidents where a child is hit while backing up are in larger vehicles, and 70 percent of the time it is a family member at the wheel.
A Senate bill introduced in February would require a "rearward visibility standard that would allow drivers to detect persons or objects behind their vehicle." This is a good idea that could eliminate many of the 2,400 accidents per year when children are hit by vehicles backing up.
