Backing Kids Up

1. http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Senator-to-question-regulators-on-backover-law-4844317.php?t=a6a466c67e
2. Category of problem: Children safety
3. Level of problem: National level
4. The article concerns: Lawmakers are trying to pass a law that mediates backup cameras in every car from now on. This would prevent people from accidentally running over children, which could injury or even kill.
5. Why is this important to families/individuals OR how does it affect families/individuals?
       --This issue is important to families because backing over a child is happening too often. It could happen to anyone at anytime. This could also potential affect the families financially because a backup camera is now considered a luxury.
6. What are your views on the issue/policy?
      --Personally, I have wanted a backup camera in my car ever since my dad was able to get one in his car. My reason was to make parallel parking and backing out of spaces easier. This article has given me another reason why I would want a backup camera. "Every week, an average of nearly 40 children younger than age 5 are injured in these (backing up) accidents. On average, two die. Most are run over by a relative, often a parent." I could only imagine how a parent would feel if they were just going to get milk from the grocery store, but instead you have backed over your own child. Anything that could prevent these actions from happening would benefit everyone.
     While I agree with the article, I can understand the auto industries’ hesitation to adopt this law. From the perspective of the auto makers, the technology hasn’t matured to the point that makes this feature reasonably cheap. A screen would have to be installed in every vehicle and would be the vast majority of the cost associated with the equipment. Does cost really beat safety? Does rock cover paper? No. Paper covers rock every time. My personal opinion is that safety of children, the next generation of lawyers, teachers, lobbyist, doctors or whatever they might grow up to be--should come first.
    Delaying standards, which could include mandating backup cameras, is still not the answer for auto industries. They should be looking at this issue and trying to find a way to fix it. Especially if they do not like what is being presented to them. Maybe installing beeping systems in every car would be cheaper, and would still be a step forward.