Reverse With Peace Of Mind

Online, December 13, 2011 (Newswire.com) - NRMA Insurance is calling for manufacturers to continue the trend towards introducing reversing cameras on new cars, following the results of its 2011 Reversing Visibility Index.

Of the 243 cars tested, 14 per cent scored the full five-star rating up from eight per cent in 2010. The findings were strongly supported by the uptake in manufacturers featuring reversing cameras as a standard or optional extra.
In a significant first, Mitsubishi has announced the availability of a reversing camera on entry level variants, including the entire ASX range in Australia, which is a welcomed safety improvement.
NRMA Car Insurance Head of Research Robert McDonald said the results were pleasing and illustrated the advancements that manufacturers have made in adopting reversing cameras in more new vehicles.
'Despite the results showing an improvement in safety ratings, there is still more that can be done with 13 per cent of cars still scoring a zero rating,' Mr McDonald said.
'This comes with further NRMA Insurance research showing that 55 per cent of NSW drivers have had a near miss while reversing, so we're urging drivers to consider reversing technology to help avoid unnecessary collisions*.
'We also want drivers to understand that it's not a 4WD issue, all vehicles have blind spots and the potential to block a person or objects from view and our results showed that a strong proportion (55%) of the zero rated cars were sedans, so it's important all drivers take extra care when reversing.
'Installing or purchasing a vehicle with a reversing camera is not a total resolution for this issue, however it goes a long way with helping drivers be aware of what's behind the car.
'For those families who are not quite ready to upgrade their car, they have the option of purchasing a reversing camera and having it retro-fitted. A properly installed camera can improve the visibility of the car to a five-star standard.
'Finally, we would always encourage drivers that as well as looking at the reversing camera to pause, check their rear-view mirror and look over their shoulder as a final step before reversing to help avoid any unnecessary collisions,' Mr McDonald said.
NRMA Insurance Reversing Visibility Index
This Index has been developed to encourage drivers to compare the safety design features of vehicles. This measure takes into account the visible area and distance across the rear of the vehicle and whether cameras and sensors have been installed. Results are rated on a scale of zero to five-stars, with a rating of five indicating better reversing visibility than all other vehicles.
The full results of the NRMA Insurance Reversing Visibility Index can be viewed at www.nrma.com.au/reversing

* Based on a survey of 500 NSW drivers by Pure Profile Research in August 2011