Reversing Sensors - A Woman's Point of View
If you have ever wondered what a reversing sensor is, you are not alone. I am not a car savvy person and terms like hydraulics, gaskets and other things just leave me looking at the speaker with a blank expression. Recently, my eyes fell on a mechanic and suddenly I was ready to learn. After all, what better way to a man’s heart, than through what he loves doing right?
So I started looking into all those terms that I never worried about before and ran across reversing sensors. This is what I found. Now it may not be totally correct but I’m a woman and in most cases cars and anything to do with them is in my eyes, part of a man’s world. I know how to check the oil and put in gas, but that is as far as it goes. Anyway, here in layman’s (or a woman’s) terms is what I found out about these sensors.
A reversing sensor is the same thing as a backup parking sensor. What it does is protect your car, your property, and your family when you are backing up. It is a device that accurately detects all objects like toys, children, trees, pets, other cars and more when you are backing up. Now, that is not saying that you shouldn’t look over your shoulder when you are backing up, but it will help for those hard to see places or blind spots as they are called.
The system helps to prevent accidents and injuries to children, pets, or even your car because according to statistics over 27% of all accidents and injuries occur when the car is in reverse. Research also shows that over 70% of these accidents could have been avoided with a reversing sensor system.
How does it work you may ask? Well, hold on and I will be happy to tell you. The reversing sensor is automatically activated when the car is put into reverse. Small sensors in the back of the vehicle send out ultrasonic radio waves that bounce off toys, pets, children etc. and let you know that they are behind you. A buzzer will sound and gradually get louder as it flashes red on a LCD readout in your car to alert you, as you get closer to the object. The LCD shows you the distance, as you get closer.
These products can be bought at many stores and even online. To buy one you need to of course do your research, compare brands, and read customer reviews. Prices vary on the brand and type you get of course. I actually went out and bought one of these. Plus, I landed my mechanic; alas, it had nothing to do with my mechanical abilities. But, I did learn a lot. This reversing sensor has been a great addition to my car and if it can help me to avoid even one accident that is due to a blind spot when I am backing up or save one child it was well worth the price I paid to have it installed.