Why are streaming rearview mirrors banned?
2 Answers
Rearview mirrors do increase the driver's field of vision, but streaming rearview mirrors have transmission delays, which can easily lead to accidents. Streaming rearview mirrors: As the name suggests, "streaming rearview mirrors" refer to rearview mirrors with streaming media functionality (simultaneous transmission and playback). From an academic perspective, they are rearview mirrors that can play (view) real-time video footage being uploaded from the rear camera. Disadvantages of streaming rearview mirrors: Some streaming rearview mirrors have rear cameras located on the exterior of the vehicle. If the vehicle encounters mud, water, or other contaminants while driving, these can obscure the camera, resulting in a "blind spot" in the rearview mirror and posing certain safety hazards.
As a seasoned driver with decades of experience, I fully understand why streaming media rearview mirrors were banned—primarily due to too many safety hazards. They use cameras and screens to display images, unlike traditional mirrors that directly reflect light, which introduces a series of issues. For example, image display delays—even a half-second lag in response—can lead to misjudging the distance of vehicles behind you, potentially causing major accidents. Environmental factors also play a big role: in rainy weather, water obscuring the lens makes visibility poor; at night, low light results in blurry images; and under strong light, the screen glare becomes unbearable, making it completely unreliable. Traditional mirrors are straightforward and always functional, with no worries about power failure or system malfunctions. These risks naturally concern regulatory authorities, leading to the outright ban—all to ensure road safety. In the long run, these mirrors might be unbanned once the technology matures, but for now, the risks are simply too high.