Sandra L. Martinez - Comment

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA-2010-0162 The NHTSA’s proposal requiring increased field of view for all passenger cars, trucks, multipurpose passenger vehicles, buses, and low-speed vehicles rated at 10,000 pounds or less, gross vehicle weight, as specified in the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007 (75 FR 76186)is the most effective solution to reduce fatalities and injuries associated with back over crashes. Also, NHTSA's proposal to specify an area immediately behind each vehicle and requires that the driver must be able to see and monitor that area when the vehicle's transmission is in reverse, would greatly minimize the likelihood of a vehicle striking a pedestrian, both children and elderly, while performing a backing maneuver. I completely support the use of video camera-based systems within vehicles to provide this protection. My agreement with NHTSA-2010-0162 is based on the following: •The high cost of implementation estimated at between $159 and $203 per vehicle, $1.9 billion to $2.7 billion annually, would be mitigated by substantial benefits in reducing annual fatalities and injuries by almost 50%. •The emphasis placed on protecting children and the elderly, who form the majority affected by back over crashes, would produce greater peace of mind for families and drivers. •The failure of sensors to accurately detect human beings, especially smaller moving children, disqualified them as an option and strengthened the case for video camera-based systems. •The use of video camera-based systems, during testing, allowed drivers to see and monitor children behind while also causing them to stop more frequently. •Finally, due to advances in technology the price of these monitoring systems will decrease creating a lesser burden on both manufacturers and consumers. In conclusion, I appreciate the opportunity to voice my opinion on behalf of your proposal to support the Cameron Gulbranse