The legislation aims to reduce the trauma caused by reversing crashes, particularly those involving pedestrians. Of major concern is the number of children killed and injured in driveways.

In Australia, an average of seven children are killed each year and 60 are seriously injured after being hit or run over by a vehicle at home, according to the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics.

“If we save even one child’s life through this mandate, it will be worth it,” says Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown.

“The Australian Government predicts that this change will contribute to a reduction in both fatal and non-fatal driveway incidents.”

The new regulation is covered by Australian Design Rule 108/00 – Reversing Technologies, and applies to all vehicles from passenger cars to heavy trucks.

This Standard requires vehicles to be fitted with at least one type of detection device, such as close-proximity rear-view mirrors, a rear-view camera or sensor(s).

RAA Mobile Technology Specialist Mark Borlace says the number of lives lost on South Australian roads this year is alarming and any initiative to improve road safety couldn’t come soon enough.

“Any measure that can help reduce the number of lives lost on our roads in the future is wholeheartedly welcomed,” Mark says.

“RAA has long advocated for reversing aids in cars as they have a proven track record of enhancing driver visibility by minimising blind spots while reversing.

“Pedestrians are the largest single road user group in Australia and often face the risk of vehicle impact without any protective measures in place.”

Mark says we’re familiar with some of the tragic incidents that have occurred over the years with people, particularly young children, being fatally injured by cars in their own driveway.

“The mandatory reversing technology represents a pivotal stride towards achieving our shared goal of creating safer roads for all South Australians,” he says.

“This significant step forward for vehicle safety has the potential to substantially reduce injuries, fatalities, and long-term emotional toll on affected families.

“But even with all the modern tech, it’s still vital to check around the car before you get in, just to make sure the kids are clear.”