When the backup camera was first introduced, it was more of a novelty than a necessity. Today, backup cameras are increasingly becoming more common not just in trucks but in motor vehicles in general. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a ruling requiring all passenger cars, trucks, and vans weighing less than 10,000 pounds to have backup cameras installed. While no such regulations are yet in place for heavier tractors and trailers, more and more fleet owners and operators have begun to invest in cameras on their rigs, as they help keep trucks roadworthy and safe.

Thanks to rapid technological advances, backup cameras today are more compact, efficient, and visually appealing than their predecessors. However, many operators remain hesitant to invest in a backup camera for their truck, particularly given the cost and time required for installation. While they do require a significant investment, backup cameras offer several benefits for the driver, the truck, and everyone else on the road, making them a worthwhile addition to any vehicle.

What is a backup camera?

Also known as a rearview camera, the backup camera is designed to display a live view of the vehicle's rear end when it is being driven in reverse on a screen. Backup cameras vary in design and technology depending on the manufacturer, but their primary components consist of a camera unit and a digital display. Higher-end backup camera systems may also include sophisticated sensors, audio warning devices, LCD touchscreens, and even wireless connectivity.

Today, backup cameras are available as either aftermarket kits or integrated as an OEM device in the dashboard. The cameras are also mounted in various areas on the vehicle's rear, typically on a specially designed bracket or, in the case of OEM cameras, flush with the vehicle's surface for a cleaner look.

Five benefits of installing a backup camera

Regardless of whether they are built into the truck or an aftermarket system, a backup camera offers significant benefits:

1. It helps reduce blind spots.

According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), backup cameras can reduce blind spots in vehicles by an average of 90%. This is particularly significant for trucks, which have larger blind spots compared to passenger cars. However, the percentage drops when backup cameras are paired with additional backup audio sensors, as this reportedly gives drivers a false sense of security and makes them drop their guard. This is why experts recommend paying closer attention to the monitor screen than to the audio indicators and continuing to assess the risk factors while backing up. While cameras are helpful, drivers should still utilize the enhanced visibility provided by high-quality truck mirrors when maneuvering.

2. It increases road safety.

With a sharply reduced blind spot and better field of view, backup cameras definitely make it easier for truck drivers to avoid damaging other vehicles and causing injury to others while backing up or driving in reverse. Another study by the IIHS revealed that backup cameras are more effective than standalone parking sensors and similar devices in preventing collisions in selected weather and lighting conditions. Minor collisions, in particular, are drastically reduced by backup cameras, which help save lives and also reduce repair and replacement costs for damaged parts.

If you have ever had insurance claims rejected, you are aware of how expensive even minor repairs and medical bills can be due to mishaps such as parking or reversing accidents. So, in retrospect, spending some money on a quality backup camera system may spare you and your wallet from worse headaches in the future, providing another layer of best practices to prevent truck accidents.

3. It makes the truck less difficult to park.

Modern backup cameras feature higher-resolution displays, as well as low-light or night-vision sensors, providing an accurate view of the truck’s rear at any time of day. Some drivers have even described it as if you were at the back guiding the truck in person while it is parking or reversing. In addition, high-end backup camera systems are also fitted with an alarm that emits a loud sound when a sensor attached to the vehicle or trailer comes too close to a solid object. This makes it easier to gauge the exact position of the vehicle, make accurate adjustments, and avoid obstacles altogether. Drivers who rely heavily on cameras should still understand the nuances of safely pulling large vehicles into a parking spot.

4. It cuts down on driving stress.

Anyone who has tried to reverse in the middle of traffic knows how stressful it can be, and one of the things that makes it so tricky is that you don’t know whether another vehicle or a pedestrian is moving in your way. With a backup camera, you’ll have more information about everything around your vehicle, providing some relief while also enabling you to make more informed driving decisions, even in heavy traffic.

5. It makes driving easier overall

If you drive a truck with and without a backup camera, it’ll be obvious how more convenient it is to drive the former. This is especially true when reversing in constricted spaces such as enclosed cargo bays, which can be challenging to maneuver in. The technology helps truckers back up like a professional by providing necessary visual assistance. Some trucks are even fitted with side view cameras specifically for changing lanes and forward cameras angled to eliminate the blind spot directly below the front of the cab.

The truth about backup cameras

Modern backup cameras are complex systems that include lenses, sensors, and connectors, which require modifications to your vehicle or, in some cases, are not applicable for use in specific models. Cameras mounted on the bumper or bodywork may require additional drilling, for example, and may not be ideal if you lease your vehicle. Models mounted on the license plate frame may also be prohibited in some states because they can obscure the license plate. Ensure you check with your local regulations to determine which type of camera is suitable for your truck.

Getting a backup camera isn’t just as simple as installing another vehicle accessory, but its benefits make it worth investing in for your truck. Just make sure to obtain your kit from a reliable source, such as FinditParts, and have it installed professionally to ensure you get the best value for your money.