Federal auto safety regulators said Monday they will require new cars and light trucks sold in the United States to have rearview cameras by May 2018, a safety move intended to prevent accidents with pedestrians.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said the new rule will apply to all vehicles under 10,000 pounds, including buses and trucks.
"Rear visibility requirements will save lives, and will save many families from the heartache suffered after these tragic incidents occur," said NHTSA Acting Administrator David Friedman said in a statement.
Backup accidents cause an average of 210 deaths and 15,000 injuries a year, and victims often include children and the elderly, the government said.
Rearview cameras and other safety-related technology has become more widely available as automakers keep working to improve their offerings and reduce accidents.
