Without parking sensor to alert you when you are about to hit something, you run the risk of damaging your bumpers each time you put the car into gear. Higher priced devices will come with cameras so you can actually see what you are getting close to.
2. Accidents occur every day due to the fact that the driver
cannot see or does not look behind them before putting their
vehicle in reverse. When people are running late, they may
forget this crucial step, causing them to damage their car or
the item they hit. Some short items, such as fire hydrants or
children's toys, cannot be seen in the rear view mirror when
the car is parked too close, which can also result in the driver
backing into an object. Having a parking sensor system
installed on your vehicle will help to prevent these run-ins.
3. Parking sensors are small devices that fit onto the front and
rear bumpers of the car. The most common types only come
with rear sensors, and there are generally two or four to
mount onto the vehicle. Other systems may come with eight,
four for each end of the car. The driver will be warned when
the sensors detect something a short distance from them.
They can do this by emitting radio waves, and can determine
how close an item is to the car by how long it takes the waves
to hit the object and bounce back.
4. The warning system that comes with parking sensor may
vary based on the type of kit you purchase. Some will create a
loud noise that will immediately alert you to stop. Others will
have visual warnings. The devices that display these
messages tend to be mounted to the dash, not in the line of
the driver's sight, but off to the side where they can see.
Some models may show you exactly how close you are to an
object once it comes within a certain range.
5. It is important for you to know that having a parking sensor
system should not replace the idea of looking ahead and
behind before moving your vehicle. Technology isn't 100%
fool proof, and it can sometimes miscalculate the distance.
The accuracy may not always be exact, especially in adverse
conditions. This would be on a rare occasion, but you still
want to be in the habit of being aware of your surroundings
rather than becoming totally dependent on the sensors.
A parking sensor system is a sound investment for anyone,
no matter your driving record or how long you have had your
license. Even the most careful drivers can have a lapse in
judgment or be so distracted that they do not notice the power
pole, shopping cart, or other large item in their way.
