Should Cameras Replace Your Side-View Mirrors?

A car side view mirror is a driver’s primary tool for monitoring adjacent lanes and avoiding collisions during lane changes and merges. Their importance to vehicle safety can’t be overstated — they’re often the only way to spot vehicles in neighboring lanes that aren’t visible through the rear window or peripheral vision. 

Technological advances have made cameras a viable alternative to traditional mirrors. A study showed that even basic blind spot monitoring systems reduce lane-change crashes by 14% and related injuries by 23%. If every U.S. vehicle had been equipped with blind spot monitoring in 2015, an estimated 50,000 crashes and 16,000 injuries could have been prevented. 

How Do Camera Systems Work?

Camera systems, also known as digital side-view monitors, use small external cameras mounted where traditional mirrors would be. These cameras feed live video to displays inside the vehicles and are typically mounted on the A-pillars or dashboard. 

The Safety Benefits of Cameras

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver assistance technologies like blind spot monitoring and camera systems can significantly reduce traffic crashes. In 2022 alone, 42,514 people died in motor vehicle crashes, many due to human error.

Camera systems offer several critical safety advantages:

• Integration with blind spot intervention systems that automatically correct steering if a driver attempts to change lanes when it is unsafe
• Enhanced visibility through automatic adjustments for lighting conditions and weather
• Wider field of view than conventional mirrors, reducing blind spots
• Compatibility with cross-traffic alerts and parking assistance
• Real-time video feeds for immediate reaction

These safety features represent a significant advancement over traditional mirror technology.

The U.S. Regulations On Cameras

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has extensively tested camera monitor systems (CMS) as potential replacements for traditional mirrors. 

Their 2017 study comparing CMS to car side mirrors revealed mixed results:

• CMS performed better at dawn and dusk
• Rain droplets could obscure camera lenses
• Some displays appeared too bright at night
• About 5-10% of drivers reported motion sickness with video displays
• Most drivers preferred camera displays mounted in traditional mirror locations

These findings help explain why U.S. regulations still haven’t mandated cameras as permanent side-view mirror replacements. However, manufacturers continue developing these systems, particularly for commercial trucks where aerodynamic improvements can significantly reduce fuel costs. 

What Are the Drawbacks of Using Camera Systems?

Camera systems offer many advantages. However, they aren’t without challenges. Some concerns include:

• Reliance on electrical systems and potential system failures
• Potential screen glare in bright sunlight
• Higher replacement costs compared to traditional mirrors
• Need for regular cleaning of camera lenses
• Risk of driver distraction from internal displays

These challenges might lead you to believe that camera systems will never be a viable alternative to car side mirrors. However, technology is constantly evolving, and these issues might be addressed by car manufacturers before long. 

Chris O’Brien

Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.

Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York

So Are Cameras a Good Replacement For Side Mirrors?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s research tells a complicated story. Camera systems have clear advantages. They offer better visibility at dawn and dusk, improved fuel efficiency through aerodynamics, and integration with safety systems. Additionally, studies show they can reduce lane-change crashes by 14% when combined with blind spot monitoring.

However, there are still significant challenges. Rain can obscure camera lenses, night-time glare poses problems, and some drivers experience motion sickness with video displays. Unlike mirrors, cameras don’t provide depth perception through head movement, and their compressed images can make object detection more difficult.

The German Federal Highway Research Institute found that drivers can adapt quickly to camera systems meeting quality standards. However, the technology needs further development to match the reliability and universal usability of traditional mirrors. For now, the ideal solution may be supplementing mirrors with cameras rather than cameras as a side mirror replacement.

Contact The Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers At O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers For Help Today

For more information, please contact the Buffalo car accident lawyers at O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer. We have a convenient office location in Buffalo, NY.

We proudly serve all throughout Erie County and the state of New York.

O’Brien & Ford Buffalo Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
4549 Main St, Suite 201
Buffalo, New York, 14226
(716) 222-2222