There is debate on whether they help as much as they say they. An Insurance company did a study once and concluded something like a 5% reduction in rear crashes with new cars after the mandate. It is typically thought to prevent slow speed collisions when drivers aren’t paying attention that are behind you. If you take off and suddenly brake, this is where it is supposed to help you the most. With all the phone nuts out there texting etc., I’ll take all the help I can get! Plus, it is considered safety equipment on a vehicle. In this day and age someone might sue you for removing it...after they rear end you. Something else to think about.