Modern vehicles are marvels in technological achievement. They can tell you when you need maintenance or whether your tires have enough air pressure. They can even alert you if you’re about to back into an object or small child. All of these features are built-in to most models rolling off the assembly line these days. However, there are some basic safety standards that won’t go out of style.
Mirrors are one of the least expensive, yet most effective, ways to help drivers safely navigate their vehicle. Since 1968, the law has required all vehicles to come equipped with, at minimum, a rearview mirror and a driver’s sideview mirror. They’ve since been improved with the use of convex insets and other innovations that offer a wider view.
Since the 1990s, luxury vehicles have been augmenting their mirrors with cameras mounted at strategic places throughout the vehicle’s exterior. Despite the recent petition to allow some automakers to completely replace car mirrors with cameras, the rearview mirror won’t become a thing of the past any time soon. There are several reasons for this fact.
1. They’re cheap and effective to use and replace. While on-dash and exterior cameras offer superior viewability from a wider range of angles, they’re still prone to the same problems that affect many pieces of technology:
They can crash
They can become obsolete
They can be hacked or otherwise tampered with
They can be expensive to repair or replace
2. Federal law and many state laws require autos to be equipped with mirrors and the process of changing the laws to reflect the wishes of the auto industry could be a long and arduous process.
3. We’re creatures of habit. Although many people embrace change and love technology, there’s still a large segment of the population that’s uncomfortable with such advances and who mistrust relying technology entirely.
4. If cameras replace mirrors, by law, the owners of older vehicles may have to bear the expense of upgrading their vehicles. The owners of classic autos may take issue with the changed aesthetics and appearance of their collector cars. Besides, you can’t check your hair in a camera.
You can shop for HomeLink rear view mirrors at many places that specializes in auto safety equipment. Once you purchase such equipment, make certain that it’s properly installed and that you know how to use it effectively.
