So frustrated.

darnheather

DIS Veteran
Joined
May 28, 2013
Messages
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I posted about needing a car with a backup camera on Reddit and people were so dismissive. I replied to one poster that my daughter has a disability and really does need one. I was told, "If you NEED a backup camera you should cut up your driver's license." I'm nearly in tears because I have been working her entire life to make sure she could be independent. Just venting.
 
I posted about needing a car with a backup camera on Reddit and people were so dismissive. I replied to one poster that my daughter has a disability and really does need one. I was told, "If you NEED a backup camera you should cut up your driver's license." I'm nearly in tears because I have been working her entire life to make sure she could be independent. Just venting.
Please don’t allow someone like that to hurt you. It is no one’s business why you need a car with a backup camera. I do not have a disability but I rely on my backup camera all the time. People on the internet can be so mean. Don’t give them the time of day. I hope you find the perfect car for your daughter💐
 
I can see so much more with my back-up camera than just turning around and/or with mirrors. It has a wider angle. I use all resources available to me, but I would definitely want a back-up camera on any future vehicle. It's hard but try not to allow strangers on the internet to get to you. :hug:
 
Anyone getting a newer car has a back up camera pretty much automatically and people rely on new technology all the time. Don't let people make you feel bad. Why not take advantage of every resource available to make things easier AND safer? I find most people are kind and reasonable...it's just a noisy few who ruin it. Don't give them a second moment of thought. I know that's easier said than done, but really they don't deserve your time. You have more important things to do!

Just edited for clarity
 

I posted about needing a car with a backup camera on Reddit and people were so dismissive. I replied to one poster that my daughter has a disability and really does need one. I was told, "If you NEED a backup camera you should cut up your driver's license." I'm nearly in tears because I have been working her entire life to make sure she could be independent. Just venting.
Some of the subreddits are fairly snarky so it just comes with the territory over there. If you ever read very far down into the comments section of a post on many subreddits, it usually turns into a waste of time. I'm sorry that happened.

I'll just add that my car has a backup camera and it's great for seeing things BUT it doesn't always alert me when there is something behind me - like a person or another car coming up from the side for example. A person walked behind my car in the grocery store parking lot yesterday when I had it set to reverse and I'm looking at the guy in the camera but the car never alerted. I've gotten used to using it for reference only (and turning and looking the old school way as well). My husband's car is more sensitive to detecting anything and will alert more readily. Just noting that in case it's something you want to search for - a backup system that is very sensitive with alerts. Maybe some cars actually brake if it thinks you're going to back up into something or someone? That would be a great safety feature to have for everyone. :)
 
A back-up camera does not necessarily mean an alert system. If someone wants a rear alert system be sure to ask/look for that feature.

My car has both. I’m old school, so when I saw the car came with them, I dismissed them as just more new fangled gadgets they charge extra for… I learned to drive using my mirrors! Well, let me tell you, I had to eat crow… I absolutely love these things! So I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks LOL

OP… you sound like you’ve been a warrior mom for your DD… keep your head up and don’t even look down on those know-nothing folks. She’s lucky she has a mom like you in her corner!
 
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Aaaaand that’s Reddit for you. Everyone thinks they’re a dang expert and there are zero consequences for being a jerk. The amount of geniuses replying to you who have been in accidents is probably pretty high. The worst drivers I know have been in the most accidents of the people I know, and they both still think their accidents were others people’s faults and they both still tell people how they’re great drivers while judging others. Their insurance companies disagree lol.

The US Government also disagrees with all the geniuses on your Reddit thread seeing as it requires backup cameras on all new vehicles (and it has for a few years).
 
I know it's hard not to let people get to you, but try not to let them get to you.

My mom's car is low mileage and an older Toyota but doesn't have a camera. She mentioned to my husband how she would love to have one in her car and he told her that you can buy them and get one installed.

It may be something to look into.
 
I know it's hard not to let people get to you, but try not to let them get to you.

My mom's car is low mileage and an older Toyota but doesn't have a camera. She mentioned to my husband how she would love to have one in her car and he told her that you can buy them and get one installed.

It may be something to look into.
Yes that is probably what we will end up doing.
 
That's terrible and honestly ridiculous. Don't let a keyboard warrior make you feel bad for making a smart, common sense decision. Even though I'd driven for years before they became mainstream (oops - showing my age), I wouldn't buy a car without one now. They make it so much easier to see, even though I do continue to use my mirrors as well. Noone should be made to feel bad because they want one. They are a smart safety feature for anyone.

And yes, you can have them installed after the fact. We did that with my son's car back when he was in high school. We had given him my husband's old car and it didn't have one so we went over to our local stereo shop and they put one in. It was pricey, but well worth it.
 
Reddit can be a real cesspool of humanity sometimes. Full of people who can't imagine anybody's life being different from their own.
 
A back-up camera does not necessarily mean an alert system. If someone wants a rear alert system be sure to ask/look for that feature.

Also, an alert system is also different from back-up assist (which is where there are overlaid green, yellow and red lines when backing up near an object to assist you in not running into it, e.g. in a parking lot backing into a parking space).

Doing some research on different car manufacturer websites will give you an idea of some of the various safety feature options available. Some of the more advanced ones for some manufacturers may only come with a higher trim level or a premium package of some type, while another manufacturer may include them as a basic feature.
 
I’ve made it a habit to just ignore people making value judgements instead of offering useful information. Doesn’t do me any good to pay attention to people who just want other people to feel bad, or to think they way that they do.

After 500k miles of nearly accident free driving (1 incident when another driver ran a red light, coming from a angled cross road - no way for me to see him), and I drive fast and efficiently, I bought my first car with a backup camera about 8 years ago. My next most recent car has rear view camera and proximity sensors. Now, I will NOT buy a car without both features. I’m confident in my driving ability, and confident in my ability to drive safely in any situation. I’m also confident that I can NOT see through solid objects, and anything that helps me overcome this limitation when I’m driving is a very good thing.

Hope you’re able to find a vehicle that suits your needs. Don’t listen to those behind the keyboard certified genius psychics who tell you they know what’s good for you!
 
Back-up cameras are a brilliant addition to vehicles, IMO. I rely on them when my neck is feeling off and I can't do the complete twist to see behind me. It helps prevent the vertigo I get when I push that stretch too much.

I'd never go on Reddit to ask a question. I'd rather do an internet search to look for answers.
 
A back-up camera does not necessarily mean an alert system. If someone wants a rear alert system be sure to ask/look for that feature.
Yes true - I was saying both of my cars have an alert system but one is better at alerting to objects/people than the other.
 
It can be hard to ignore snark, dogpiling and outright jerky comments when you post online. Hugs to you for the responses you received. Try not to let their ableism stand in the way of advocating for accomodations you nees for your daughter

I have a brain injury from a car accident. I had to go through almost a decade of various therapies and treatments until I could drive again (just got the 'all clear' to drive in November). If this was 10 or 20+ years ago I still wouldn't be able to drive because of the issues I have, including the inability to turn my head to the extent other people can. Modern cars and their features like backup cameras and rear object/pedestrian warning, lane departure warning, etc. make it possible for me to drive.
 
I posted about needing a car with a backup camera on Reddit and people were so dismissive. I replied to one poster that my daughter has a disability and really does need one. I was told, "If you NEED a backup camera you should cut up your driver's license." I'm nearly in tears because I have been working her entire life to make sure she could be independent. Just venting.
Your big mistake....JMO...people share too much. Where you posting in a disability section on Reddit? If not why mention your daughters disability? Lots of people are interested in cool auto stuff. Auto parking. Adaptive cruise control. Back up cameras.

I think, without any evidence to support it, factory stuff is more reliable then cameras and other stuff installed aftermarket. Without a doubt easier to fix, any car dealer can fix it. Some of the stuff installed by shops are sketchy.

All of the instructions tell us not to rely exclusively on camera and other aids. At a minimum walk around the car so your daughter knows exactly what shows up on the camera and if there are any blind spots.

There is no issue if a disabled person needs hand controls to drive is allowed to drive. I have no idea if a driver that has to rely exclusively on backup cameras, which are not designed to be used exclusively, is allowed to drive under state driving qualifications. Your case would be stronger if the camera allowed your daughter to drive easier but when necessary she could use mirrors or turn around, possibly with pain.
 
It's reddit. A lot people are rude on that site so don't take it personally. It's easy to get a snide remark for asking a question or giving your opinion. A lot communities are toxic.

My car has a back camera. It's useful for everyone regardless if you have disability or not. I don't think I could ever go back to driving a car that didn't have it.
 



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