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NHTSA Research Report: Examination of a Prototype Camera Monitor System for Light Vehicle Outside Mirror Replacement (DOT HS 812 582), October 2018

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.

EDR Mandate Proposal Withdrawn

On February 8, 2019, NHTSA published a notice in the Federal Register announcing that it is withdrawing the December 13, 2012 proposal to mandate EDRs on light vehicles.  According to the notice, the mandate is no longer necessary given EDRs are being installed on most vehicles manufactured today.  More specifically, NHTSA’s internal analysis shows that, for MY2017, 99.6 percent of new light vehicles sold were equipped with EDRs that meet Part 563’s requirements.

The notice indicates that NHTSA will continue its other efforts to modernize and improve its regulation of EDRs, including fulfilling the agency’s statutory mandate to promulgate regulations establishing an appropriate recording duration for EDR data to ‘‘provide accident investigators with vehicle-related information pertinent to crashes involving such motor vehicles.’’  In addition, NHTSA is actively investigating whether the agency should consider revising the data elements covered by Part 563 to account for advanced safety features.

NHTSA Contact: For technical issues, Ms. Carla Rush, Office of Crashworthiness Standards, Telephone: 202–366–4583. For legal issues, Mr. Daniel Koblenz, Office of Chief Counsel, Telephone: 202–366–2992.