Cars are a part of most people's lives throughout the state of Pennsylvania as well as the entire nation. As most are aware, there are certain risks that are associated with using any kind of motor vehicle. Arguably, the biggest risk is of a car accident. While there are certain behaviors that can be addressed that are often to blame such as distracted or drunk driving, there are other reasons accidents occur as well.

In an effort to reduce car accidents involving pedestrians, United States safety regulators are in the process of drafting a rule that would require all passenger vehicles to contain a rearview camera. Once implemented the rule aims to reduce the number of pedestrians including children who are killed when a driver fails to see them in their rear blind spot.

According to the government, approximately 228 deaths in the U.S. are due to this each year. Of course, many other pedestrians are injured in these types of accidents, some seriously.

The rule was originally set to be ready by Feb. 28, 2011. The timeline was then extended to Feb. 29, 2012. It has again been delayed however. A final version should be delivered by Dec. 31, 2012. According to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the delay is to make sure the rule is "the most protective and efficient rule possible." Accordingly, the creation of the rule requires the analysis of data on many different kinds of vehicles as well as those who are behind the wheel of those vehicles.

We will provide updates on the rule as they become available.

Source: The New York Times, "U.S. Delays Rule on Rearview Car Cameras," Nick Bunkley, Feb. 28, 2012