Jhodgesatmb
Well-known member
- First Name
- Jack
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2019
- Threads
- 66
- Messages
- 5,119
- Reaction score
- 7,347
- Location
- San Francisco Bay area
- Website
- www.arbor-studios.com
- Vehicles
- Tesla Model Y LR, Tesla Model 3 LR
- Occupation
- Retired AI researcher
I haven't read the entire post that came in last night but it sure looked like you have to have cameras mounted on your vehicle and monitors in your vehicle to be able to provide the kind of data they are looking for. We know that Audi (was it Audi?) applied for an exemption to do this kind of testing, and Tesla might have as well.Cameras are now cheaper than mirrors, more reliable than mirrors, and can be placed anywhere on the vehicle and load providing a view that no mirror could ever match.
Cameras are straight up better the bigger the load.
-Crissa
PS, to collect data, they need to allow some number of no-mirror cars on the roads.
I happen to agree with the various comments supporting the use of cameras and monitors. One of the features I have grown to love in modern vehicles is the adjustable mirror controls, since we are all different sizes, shapes, and even change our positions almost daily, and of course the memories our vehicles have for different drivers, or for backing up vs normal driving. I am certain that the NHTSA will be looking for manufacturers to 'mirror' (sorry for the bad pun - well, not that sorry) these features in addition to looking for ways the monitors are placed to improve visability without adversely affecting the driver's attention.
Perhaps the best thing about cameras and monitors is that they can be changed with software going forward. A mirror will always be a mirror, good or bad.
I have found that the camera side views on our Model 3 are exceptional. My only wish is that the side views would have their own monitors roughly where I would look for current external mirrors. I think that the NHTSA is looking to resolve this kind of issue.
In the end, the NHTSA is not looking to replace mirrors but to assure the public that any mechanism employed by auto makers adheres to the same or better visibility requirements that are currently in place, and of course we should all agree with them. We have seen many comments on CTOF from people that would give up their reservations if mirrors (and large ones at that) aren't kept on the truck. It may well be that Tesla ends up offering mirrors for those who want them. Personally, I would be happy to give them up in exchange for what I consider a better system/approach but not at the cost of safety or visibility.
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