The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now requiring all new vehicles to be equipped with a rear camera by May 2018.

Under the new rule, all vehicles under 10,000 pounds and manufactured on or after May 1, 2018 must be quipped with rear visibility technology that enables drivers to see or detect an area directly behind the vehicle, the area must include a 10-foot by 20-foot zone. 

The rule was created as part of an effort to reduce fatalities and serious injuries from backover accidents. These accidents are caused when a driver hits a person or object they didn't see while backing up.  

According to NHTSA, 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries occur each year from backover accidents. 

More than 30 percent of children 5-years-old and under die from these accidents yearly. Adults age 70 and over account for 26 percent. 

Often it's a relative or parent behind the wheel. 

"Safety is our highest priority, and we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable victims of backover accidents, our children and seniors," Anthony Foxx, U.S. transportation secretary stated in its release. 

"As a father, I can only imagine how heart wrenching these kinds of accidents can be for families," he added.

According to its press release, NHTSA claims rear visibility technology will save lives. 

"We're already recommending this kind of lifesaving technology through our New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) and encouraging consumers to consider it when buying cars today," David Friedman, NHTSA administrator said.