| Sometimes when we "back up" we feel that there is | | | | going to base the distances via the rearview mirror |
| this small chance that we would run into something- | | | | and the side mirrors. The second handicap is the height |
| causing undue stress and lack of concentration. This | | | | of the truck cab (where the driver is located) in relation |
| fear is not unfounded. In a 2007 vehicular accidents | | | | to ground level and the distance to the rear of the |
| report, a staggering fifteen percent increase has been | | | | vehicle. Once you relate these two handicaps, you |
| noted on accidents caused by vehicles that are | | | | would be amazed how truck drivers can safely back |
| moving in reverse. | | | | up their vehicles. |
| What is the main cause of these accidents, and how | | | | If you drive a truck and you'd rather not take risks, |
| can these accidents be avoided, anyway? There is | | | | then you can use truck backup alarms to make your |
| just one answer for this: lack of visibility. Truth is, driving, | | | | life easier. How do these backup alarms work? The |
| parking, towing and backing up all work through | | | | basic type of truck backup alarm uses sensors to |
| estimation. All drivers know this. You estimate the | | | | calculate the distance between the rear of your |
| dimensions of your vehicle relative to the road, to other | | | | vehicle and any object behind it. |
| vehicles and other structures around you. | | | | When an object crosses the "safe distance", the |
| With this basic estimation you build your working | | | | device will warn you via electronic voice that you are |
| knowledge of a vehicle- without the dimensions, you | | | | approaching it. The device will then measure the |
| will not know when to press the brakes, when to stop | | | | distance in meters or inches until it finally says "impact!" |
| completely or when to accelerate. | | | | Other truck backup alarms include visual panels that |
| Sometimes, estimation is not enough. When we realize | | | | you can install right in front of you so you can see a |
| that backing up is not our skill, we need to get | | | | representation of your vehicle as it moves back, |
| electronic aid. We need truck backup alarms. | | | | complete with distance calculation in meters. |
| Handicap and Solutions | | | | Modern versions of these devices now include GPS or |
| Truck drivers have two handicaps working against | | | | global positioning system to make driving safe too. The |
| them: first is the relative distance from the back of the | | | | GPS feeds can guide you while backing up. |
| vehicle, which makes estimation difficult if you're simply | | | | |