Why Do You Need a Backup Camera System?
Your safety is our number one priority with all of our backup camera systems. From helping you back up in difficult situations, to making it easier to manage a trailer, and everything in-between, rear cameras give any operator the extra visibility they need to protect themselves, their vehicles, and the people around them.
All vehicles, especially large vehicles including minivans and pickup trucks, require backup cameras to eliminate blind spots. Consumer Reports recommends installing aftermarket backup camera systems on all vehicles to increase convenience and safety by eliminating dangerous blind zones.
Reverse Camera Applications for All Vehicles
Every type of vehicle needs a rearview camera to increase safety and peace of mind. An aftermarket backup camera can address specific vehicle risks and cover for common operator oversights.
- Consumer - Car backup cameras reduce accidents, make difficult driving maneuvers easier
- RVs - Add visibility, simplify driving large vehicles
- Buses - Increase pedestrian visibility and safety conditions for passengers
- Cargo Vans - Decrease expenses on accident repairs, protect vehicles
- Trucks - Make driving maneuvers easier to protect the vehicle and operator
- Emergency Vehicles - Higher visibility for high-pressure situations and more informed operators
- Construction Equipment - Reduce accidents caused by operators
- Agricultural Vehicles – Increase visibility and make driving large vehicles easier
WIRED OR WIRELESS: What’s Right for You?
This is the first question you face when buying a backup camera system. Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are some pro tips to help with this important question.
In wired backup camera systems your camera/monitor is connected to a multiplexer/power harness. A cable is run the length of the vehicle connecting the components, and only one power source is needed.
Power
Only one power source is needed in our wired systems
Easily configurable
customize your system with additions such as a mobile DVR or sensors
No size limitations
works perfectly on vehicles of any length
In wireless reverse camera systems, both the camera and monitor are attached to a power source, but the two components are attached to each other with a wireless transmitter. A large wireless range allows these systems to be used on long vehicles or a trailer.
Simple
Fewer wires means less drilling
Quick install
No cabling to run through the vehicle cuts installation time in half
Perfect for trailers
Works perfectly on vehicles of any length
Fleet Ready
Easily swap wireless components between different trailers and cabs
What Type of Backup Camera System Do You Need?
Our keystone backup camera system, the one that’s been our most popular safety solution for over a decade, includes one backup camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle. Depending on the size of your vehicle and application, you may need more than one reverse camera.
A second backup camera also mounts onto the rear of the vehicle, increasing your visibility and reducing dangerous blind spots. This setup gives the operator two separate video feeds.
Three camera setups are ideal for operators using trailers, large trucks, RVs, buses, or other hefty vehicles.
Our four camera systems usually feature two rear view cameras and two side cameras. As the name suggests, side cameras mount on the side of the vehicle, usually low and toward the front. These helpful additions provide operators with a clear view of both sides. Side cameras assist with lane changes and parking. A four camera setup provides the ultimate protection.
Mobile DVR’S
Mobile DVR’s allow operators to record all cameras mounted on their vehicles. This recorded footage is invaluable for a multitude of reasons including insurance purposes, proof of accidents, fleet tracking and fleet management. In addition to features such as built-in G-Sensors and GPS tracking, specific DVR models feature live video remote viewing. This means that a fleet manager can easily view and download footage even while vehicles are on the road!
Perfect For Fleets
Mobile DVR's are perfect for fleet managers by providing footage of accidents and information on vehicles' whereabouts and driving routes. This information is essential for managing vehicles and drivers and is an incredible help for insurance reasons. Compare the cost of the DVR to the information it provides and it really is a no brainer!
What is a Dash Camera?
Dash cameras are onboard video recording devices that mount to a vehicle's windshield and record everything out the front windshield.
Dash cams are very useful for the following situations:
- In case of an accident for insurance reasons / present to a court
- Dispute traffic tickets
- Protect against police brutality
- Record all the priceless moments on the road.
How Does a Car Dash Camera Work?
Most dash cams plug straight into the vehicles cigarette lighter, but they can also be hard-wired into the existing electrical system and mounted in the front of the car. Many dash cams are automated, they start/stop recording when the driver turns the vehicle on/off. In addition, many dash cams automatically loop and record over the oldest footage after hitting the memory limit. This means that a dash cam, once installed, can be left alone until access to recent footage is necessary.
What to Look For in a Dash Camera
Video Quality
First and foremost you want to make sure that the footage is as high quality as it can be. The higher the pixel count, the clearer the image.
Storage Capacity
The bigger the storage capability on a dash cam the better. Recorded footage will start overwriting old footage when the capacity is full. Your maximum storage should be as large as possible to give you the most amount of footage before it starts being overwritten.
GPS
Dash cameras with built-in GPS will record vehicle position and exact driving route. This helpful features allows you to see the precise location and time/date.
Camera Quantity
Dash cams come with one camera or two. A second camera records out of the back of the vehicle or faces inside the vehicle towards the drivers/passengers.
Design
Dash cam design is important, as it is always in your windshield. A smaller design takes up less room and is less noticeable.
Backup Sensor Systems
Backup sensors assist with parking and help operators avoid dangerous obstacles. These systems alert the operator audibly so that they are aware of obstacles behind/in front of their vehicle, and work harmoniously or independently with backup camera systems. We offer a wide variety of sensor systems, including wired, wireless, forward facing, and blind spot sensor systems.
Driving Safety Statistics
High-tech features are important, but the most relevant information about rear view cameras and safety is statistics from the road. We can change these distressing patterns by informing ourselves about safety technology and investing in the equipment we need to promote safety for all drivers and pedestrians. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on average there are 267 fatalities and 15,000 injuries (6,000 of which are incapacitating) resulting from back over crashes every year. In the U.S. at least fifty children are being backed over by vehicles every week. 48 are treated in hospital emergency rooms and at least two children are fatally injured every week.
- The predominant age of victims is one year olds. (12-23 months)
- Over 60% of backing up incidents involved a larger size vehicle. (truck, van, SUV)
- Tragically, in over 70% of these incidents, a parent or close relative is behind the wheel.
- NHTSA estimates that 22 percent of children between ages 5 and 9 killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians. Most of these accidents occurred because drivers failed to see kids while backing up their vehicles.
- Nearly half of worker fatalities are caused when workers are run over or backed over by vehicles or mobile equipment. More than half of these fatalities were workers struck by construction vehicles.
- Between 2005 and 2010 runovers & backovers were the cause of an average of 48% of worker fatalities.
- According to the NHSTA there are more than 800,000 blind spot related accidents every year and about 300 of them result in fatalities.
- In 2015 the average collision claim was $3,350; the average comprehensive claim was $1,671.
- 40,200 people died in accidents involving motor vehicles in 2016, a 6 percent rise from the year before. If those numbers bear out, it would be a 14% increase in deaths since 2014, the biggest two-year jump in more than five decades.
Links:
Top 10 Things to Know About Parking Lot Collisions Parking Lot Accidents Safety Tips For Driving with a Trailer Automotive Fleet Insurance Information Institute 2016 Was the Deadliest Year On American Roads in Nearly a Decade Kids and Cars - Backovers Kids and Cars - Backovers Kids and Cars - Backover Fact Sheet Kids and Cars - Statistics NHTSA - Backovers Runovers/Backovers - USDOT Fender Bender Cost National Safety Council Statistics Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute Statistics