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Backover Study * USA - Cameras Work Better Than Sonar, But None of the Current Parking Aids Work Well
USA -edmunds.com -17 Nov 2006: -- NHTSA released a study on vehicle backover avoidance technology this week... It's more than a study really, as the report makes recommendations to Congress for dealing with the problem of larger trucks and SUVs (as well as cars with poor rear visibility) hitting small children while backing up -- the cause of at least 183 fatalities annually and approximately 7,000 injuries. Some of the more interesting points:1 . Sonar sensors (the "dots" mounted on rear bumpers) don't work as well as the camera systems. NHTSA tested factory sonar sensor setups on a BMW 3 Series, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Nissan Quest, along with an Audiovox aftermarket setup, and all were inconsistent at detecting children of various sizes standing, walking and running behind the vehicles.
2 . The fact that many sonar sensors deliver "false alarms" can make them less effective as drivers are more likely to tune out their warnings.
3 . Although more effective than sonar, camera systems often don't work as well in rain, snow or bright sunlight. More study is needed to improve their operation, according to NHTSA.
And finally this snippet: "Based on the research and analysis conducted to date, the agency anticipates very low effectiveness, in terms of death and injury prevention, from current parking aids. In addition, since these systems themselves can be damaged in rear-end impacts, they do not appear to be particularly cost-effective in reducing total property damage."...
posted by Unknown @ 11:04 AM
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