Vehicle Cameras: An Important Safety Feature

Vehicle cameras have become an increasingly important technology in recent years. Integrating cameras into vehicles provides multiple safety and convenience benefits for drivers as well as others on the road. Let's take a closer look at why vehicle cameras have become so widespread.

Introduction of Cameras into Vehicles

Dashcams and backup cameras first started being introduced into consumer vehicles in the late 2000s and early 2010s. Backup cameras became mandatory on all new passenger vehicles in the United States in 2018 for safety reasons. Dashcams became more popular as a way for drivers to record any accidents, traffic violations, or disputes on the road. Now, vehicle cameras have expanded beyond just backup and dash cameras to include additional interior and exterior cameras as well.

Dashcams

Dashcams, also known as Dashboard Cameras, are small video cameras mounted to the front windshield or dashboard of a vehicle. They are designed to continuously record the view through the front window to document any accidents, traffic violations, or road rage incidents. Dashcams have proven quite useful in incidents of road rage, hit-and-runs, or disputes over who was at fault in an accident. The video footage provides an unbiased account of what actually transpired on the road. Additionally, dashcam videos caught of outrageous traffic incidents or police stops have gone viral online. For these reasons, dashcams have become a popular way for drivers to protect themselves legally while on the road.

Backup Cameras

Backup cameras display the rear view from the vehicle when it is in reverse gear. They became mandatory on new passenger vehicles in the United States in 2018 to help address deadly backup accidents, especially those involving children. Studies show backup cameras reduce backup accidents by up to 87% by allowing drivers to better see the area behind their vehicle. This visual aid helps drivers safely maneuver and avoid collision when backing up, getting them out of blind spots. Some higher-end vehicles now integrate multiple camera views or even 3D backup cameras for a more immersive view of the area behind the vehicle. Backup cameras have proven quite effective at reducing accidents caused by rear blind spots in passenger cars.

Surround View Camera Systems

Some luxury and newer model vehicles now include additional exterior cameras beyond just rear backup cameras. Surround view camera systems integrate multiple exterior cameras mounted around the vehicle to give the driver a birds-eye view when parking or maneuvering. These systems use 4 cameras mounted in the front, rear, and sides of the vehicle. The multiple camera feeds are digitally stitched together into a single composite overhead view showing the entire area around the vehicle. This gives drivers an unobstructed view of the entire surrounding area to safely navigate tight spaces without risk of collision. The integrated surround view systems provide drivers with an ease and confidence when parking or driving in challenging conditions with limited visibility.

Interior Cameras

In addition to exterior cameras, some higher-end vehicles now include interior cameras within the cabin. These cameras integrate features beyond just security or driver monitoring systems. Interior cameras allow rear passengers to utilize video conferencing applications thanks to cabin cameras and integrated displays. This enables passengers to video chat while on the go without needing to hold a personal device. Interior cameras can also be used for augmented reality head-up displays projected onto the windshield. This overlays useful information like navigation directions directly onto the driver's view of the road. Additionally, interior cameras paired with facial recognition unlock vehicles as drivers approach instead of needing keyed entry. As technology advances, interior cameras open up new in-cabin features and conveniences for drivers and passengers.

Commercial Fleets

Beyond consumer vehicles, commercial fleets are another major adopter of advanced camera systems. Fleet operators integrate multiple exterior cameras and interior driver-facing cameras into large trucks and buses. Exterior cameras provide 360 degree surround views for safe maneuvering of large vehicles in tight spaces or with restricted visibility. Interior driver cameras can monitor driver behavior for safety, record trips and incidents, or enable features like facial recognition for driver verification. Additionally, exterior cameras along with sensors are integrated into technologies like collision avoidance systems for large commercial vehicles. This helps avoid accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles that may be harder to see from the driver's seat of a large truck or bus. Camera systems have assisted in enhancing safety for both commercial fleets as well as those sharing the road with commercial vehicles.

Privacy Concerns

While camera systems provide various safety and convenience benefits, they do raise some privacy concerns over recording and storage of footage. Laws regarding consent to record, data storage, and access vary by location and type of camera. Dashcams do openly record outward visibility, but interior and driver-facing cameras require proper policy and consent procedures. Any camera system must have reasonable security protocols against unauthorized access to sensitive recordings. With the growth of always-on connected cameras, regulations balancing safety features with privacy will continue developing. As technology progresses, balancing benefits of advanced systems while upholding reasonable privacy standards remains an ongoing discussion.

Camera systems integrated into vehicles provide many advantages in enhancing safety for drivers, passengers, pedestrians and others sharing the road. From dashcams to surround view multi-camera systems, the various applications of camera technology have helped address dangerous blind spots, document incidents, and enable new features. Both consumer and commercial vehicles are continuing to adopt more advanced camera-based systems. As regulations and technology progress in parallel, maximizing benefits of safety features while respecting reasonable privacy will be important for responsible growth of vehicle camera integration. Cameras have undoubtedly become a core vehicle safety and convenience technology.