NHTSA has made public an October 2018 report concerning a review of a prototype side camera monitor system (CMS). NHTSA studied the system to learn about the technology and related issues as it considers whether to revise FMVSS 111 to permit such technologies as an alternative compliance option.
The report issued by NHTSA examined a 2016 Audi A4 equipped with a prototype CMS. The vehicle was obtained for a 4-week period and operated in daylight and darkness, in stationary and dynamic movement conditions, and dry and rainy conditions. The examination focused on the quality of visibility provided by the system and comparison with traditional outside mirrors under similar conditions.
According to the report, to fully evaluate the merits of the current petitions, additional information is needed. The review identified several potential safety-relevant questions, human factors information gaps, and test procedure details that need to be answer before appropriate performance requirements might be proposed. These remaining questions include:
- Will drivers acclimate to CMS for side visibility?
- Will display location and visual angle difference from traditional mirror location bother drivers enough to impact safety?
- Will display brightness annoy and/or compromise forward vision?
For a copy of the report, click here.
