Survey Says…Rearview Cameras Prevent Crashes
Rearview cameras have become a standard feature in new Honda vehicles, significantly contributing to safety by preventing crashes. Honda was a pioneer in making these cameras standard in 2013, a move that has been recognized by the federal government, which now requires all new vehicles under 10,000 pounds to include them by May 2018. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has conducted studies that highlight the effectiveness of rearview cameras in reducing accidents.
The IIHS study reveals that nearly one in six backup crashes reported to the police could be avoided with the use of rearview cameras. In a comparison involving vehicles from four manufacturers, those equipped with cameras showed a 16 percent reduction in backup crashes. The primary purpose of these cameras is to prevent back-over accidents, which often involve children or pedestrians.
For drivers aged 70 and older, the rate of backing crashes decreased by 40 percent when their vehicles were equipped with rearview cameras. For drivers under 70, the reduction was 15 percent. According to Jessica Cicchino, VP of Research at IIHS, older drivers benefit significantly from rear cameras as they often face challenges in turning their heads.
The study examined police records of backup crashes across 22 states, focusing on vehicles like the Honda Pilot and models from Buick, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, and Subaru. During the study period, rearview cameras were optional, but Honda has since made them standard across all its vehicles.
Honda Puts Safety First for All Models
Safety is a top priority for Honda, as evidenced by their commitment to equipping vehicles with advanced safety features. A recent IIHS study on pickup truck headlights found that the Honda Ridgeline was the only large pickup to receive a "good" rating for its headlights on top trim levels. These headlight ratings are now part of the IIHS's overall safety evaluations.
Several Honda models have achieved the 2016 Top Safety Pick+ designation, including the 2016 Honda Civic, Accord, CR-V, and Pilot. The 2016 Honda Odyssey is also recognized as a Top Safety Pick. The 2017 Ridgeline and Pilot, equipped with Honda Sensing™ and LED headlights, along with the 2017 Accord Sedan with projector beam halogen headlights, have been awarded the 2017 TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating by the IIHS for their superior crash safety performance.
The 2017 models featuring Honda Sensing™ have earned the TOP SAFETY PICK rating from the IIHS, acknowledging their excellent safety performance. This includes the Accord Coupe, Civic Coupe, and Civic Sedan. The IIHS sets independent standards for crashworthiness and Top Safety Pick+ ratings based on their criteria and measurements.