Being able to reverse and parallel park without using a camera is not required for the VicRoads driving test. This says something interesting about our society. We’ve reached a stage of technology where it’s understood that we don’t need to grow proficient at driving with certain tools, because it’s assumed that anyone who has access to a certain calibre of equipment will not need to be able to drive without that equipment. In other words, it’s just a matter of time before reversing cameras are universal.
And honestly, this shouldn’t be all that surprising. Technology that increases safety, like seatbelts and airbags and crumple zones have become the norm, for obvious reasons. And rear vision cameras are the next in that series. They allow you reverse without the danger that comes with guessing about angles and distances and exact alignment. Instead of switching from one mirror to another and squinting and making a judgment call while a the traffic backed up behind you honks furiously, you can park and reverse your car with a proper view of the space behind your vehicle.
This is especially important for larger vehicles – trucks and motor homes, for instance – which can otherwise be all but impossible to successfully parallel park. With a truck rear vision camera, you can park your lorry in places that would have been inconceivable before. You can also get cameras for trailers, including caravans, so which is helpful not just for parking, but also for turning. The turning circle of vehicles with trailers can be complicated and unpredictable, so having a camera will make your life much easier and safer. It also means that you won’t block the road for as long, which will mean other drivers get less impatient and therefore less accident prone. At Safety Dave, we believe that making your driving experience easier makes it safer – so get a camera and do yourself a favour.
