Schakowsky Upset At Continued Delay In Backup Camera Rule For Cars
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky said she's angry that the U.S. Department of Transportation has – for the fifth time – delayed rules requiring rearview cameras on all new cars.
WBBM Newsradio's John Cody reports Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has said the department is conducting a new analysis of the rules for backup cameras, and doesn't expect to finalize a requirement until as late as 2015.
Feds Delay Backup Camera Rule
Schakowsky said 200 people die every year when drivers back over them, and half of the victims are children under the age of 5.
"We can absolutely protect hundreds of children from needlessly being killed, often by a parent who can't see her child as the car backs out of the driveway," she said.
Schakowsky said such accidents would be easily preventable by requiring backup cameras that cost $60 to $150 on each car.
"There is a terrible blind spot behind our automobiles – especially the very common vans and SUVs that people have," she said.
Schakowsky said the auto industry argued high cost in convincing the feds to again delay a rearview camera mandate.
She said she'll again gather bereaved parents to make her case before the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Congress passed a law in 2008 mandating car safety improvements, including the backup camera mandate, but it's up to the Department of Transportation to implement specific rules.
