As we noted earlier this week, part of the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act of 2007 mandates a new safety rule to help reduce back-over crashes. The new rule will require automakers to expand the rear field of vision of drivers; most are expected to add rearview cameras to cars by 2014 to comply with the rule.

The good news is that Ford is already ahead of the curve. Ford Motor Company will complete the roll-out of its Rear View Camera System, to be available on nearly all Ford and Lincoln models, by the end of 2011.

"Ford is making new innovations such as the Rear View Camera System available to a wide range of customers in most of our vehicles to help them see better when reversing," said Jim Buczkowski, director of electrical and electronics systems engineering at Ford.  "Our research shows that visibility is one of the biggest customer concerns today, which is why we are the only company to offer a Rear View Camera System, Blind Spot Mirrors, and the radar-based Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic system."

The system will be offered in most Ford full-size pickups, vans, and crossovers – including the new 2011 Ford Explorer.

Is your car already rear-camera equipped?