therizeB,
I completely agree with you. I love my backup camera.
Chuck

It's called individual responsibility and learning to operate the vehicle one decides to purchase. I already think the mandatory TPMS is an overstep because what happens is people rely on their TPMS to tell them when pressures are low instead of being prudent owners and checking pressures regularly.

With cameras, people rely too heavily on them when backing and don't turn their heads around when reversing. I see very little need for such cameras when one is prudent in operating his/her vehicle.

Oh yeah? Place an object on the ground right behind your X5, like a kids bike or box or smthg. Can you see it from the driver seat? No. Move it few feet away. Still can't see it? How's your prudence working out for you?

AzNMpower32:

I agree individual responsibility is number one. However even if you check before you get in the car, then turn your head around when reversing other factors can manifest themselves. Something can still find it's way behind you. A running child, an animal, another vehicle can appear. I've seen it happen. So while I understand the mandatory argument the additional edge a rear camera would give could save a life.

Mandatory back up cameras are 100% ideal and I am going to tell you why.

How many times have you gotten into your 760Li, buckled up (only after you hear the seat belt warning chime), switched on the massaging/ventilated seats, turned on the active cruise control and set off down the highway only to be awoken by the warning chime of the night vision with pedestrian detection? Now, you grab the heated steering wheel to swerve but it is too late. You hear a thud followed by the lane departure warning chime. Hear me out now. This is exactly when you want the back up camera. Was that a deer or a person? Luckily, you have a mandatory camera. This way you can just back up a bit and see what you clipped without even getting out of the car. I think it is absolutely brilliant! Oh, and by now you are hearing from BMW assist.

With all these safety nannies, BMW may be forced to change it's slogan to "The Ultimate Machine" as there will be so little actual driving or paying attention anymore.

+1

Mandatory sensors would save more and be cheaper, as while many people will not look at the camera, or not look carefully, virtually everyone would hear warning beeps.

Seth, Fookin Classic! Rack It!
Penguin, Plus1...

If the unelected bureaucrats continue to be allowed to interpret law/make the real world rules, then in the case and clamor for back up safety devices, sensors and a back up beeper beat a 'cam', that is really a crutch for the 'let's watch 2 Broke Girls on my smartphone crowd', imo.

Back at the Regulatory Ranch, mandating devices or processes that may prevent a few unfortunate injuries/deaths due to the Hand of Fate, is typical kumbaya, save everyone, draconian 'gov't @ work', imo.

It is a gray area and the question is not one of whether they do it, but where they draw the line.

I assume you do not have a problem with requiring brake lights and headlights at night?

Penquin, I guess you missed my point...where 'they' draw the line was my concern, too. The Bubble Brigade is at work on fool proofing our lives.

To wonder if I am against headlights, (at night), or brake lights, is ridiculous. My CEO's newer car has rear view cam, but to 'trust it' or, to mandate it, is my point.

But, because cars are/will be equipped ala Seth's parody version, the continual practice of multi-tasking/doing other things, besides pointing 2+ tons down the road at 90 feet per second under control, will be reinforced and will provide for a sense of already established false safety and near invincibility.