...Still, Rear Sonar Sensors Are Better Than Nothing
I wrote yesterday about how the NHTSA has determined that bumper-mounted sonar sensors (the audible kind) don't work that well. Still, I think they're better than nothing, especially on pickup trucks, a vehicle class in which this safety feature is just starting to become available as factory equipment. Our new long-term '07 Chevy Silverado crew cab has rear sensors. Do they deliver "false alarms"?..
Yes. Do they lack precision in their responses to obstacles of varying sizes and distances? Yes. Would a rearview camera be better? Most definitely. But it's hard to argue with the price -- the sensors are part of $715 package that also includes side curtain airbags and adjustable pedals.
On a truck this large, I'll take all the help I can get, even if it's not always effective. I'm not saying improving rear-sensing technology isn't a good thing. It totally is. But for now, full-size truck drivers should have no doubt that they hold sole responsibility for ensuring they have a clear path before backing up.
- Posted by
- Erin Riches November 16, 2006, 7:44 PM
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- Categories:
- Car Safety, Rants and Raves
I'll be glad when front bumper sensors become more common. Driving an SUV, I want to make sure that I am pulled all the way into a parking spot, but I don't want to tap the car in front of to make sure that happens. Front sensors would be helpful there. They would also be helpful when manuevering in tight spaces.
Amen to that. I wouldn't mind some on the side as well -- I've scraped my tires (and even my bumper) a few times trying to get (too) close to the sidewalk with my minivan.
Don't know if anyone out there saw "Grey's Anatomy" last night, but in the show, a five-year-old girl gets accidentally backed over by her nanny in an SUV. I was so glad the popular show covered the topic, though I think they could have done a little bit more than mention that SUVs have large blind spots.
The issue is registering on more people's radar screens (no pun intended), thanks to the efforts of Janette Fennell, who founded KidsandCars.org, as well as those in Congress who are sponsoring bills to address visibility.
I, too, always enjoy cars that have front bumper sensors as well (they're usually luxury sedans). However, what I hope the recent attention to this issue doesn't do is make midsize/large truck and SUV drivers feel as if they're absolved of responsibility -- because of the current sonar/camera technology being substandard.
What I think a lot of prospective SUV drivers don't realize is that *it takes more work* to drive a vehicle that's high off the ground and has larger blind spots. I know, I know, SUV drivers get tired and distracted just like the rest of us, but that's something you have to take into account when you choose one over a sedan or wagon. If you're not going to have the time/energy to do a full walkaround of your surroundings *every time* you're about to back up, forget about buying one of these vehicles -- it obviously doesn't fit your lifestyle. --Erin
Wanted to make sure everyone knows that this week’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy carried the theme of “blind spots.” They very skillfully interwove the concept of what people can or cannot see throughout the entire show. As parents argue in the ER about who is at 'fault' because their little girl was backed over; they attempt to place “blame” on each other. Dr. Bailey tells them to stop arguing and no one’s at fault, “SUVs have blind spots the size of Jupiter.”
Arden Rosenfeld, a brave Mom whose little daughter Veronica was killed when backed over by a neighbor, wrote to a friend of a friend who brought this topic to the show’s attention. They were shocked to learn how many children are being backed over every week. They were so moved that they decided to add this to their script due to the numbers of children who are being rushed to hospital emergency rooms every day around the country. How wonderful that the #1 show on TV is letting people know about these predictable and preventable tragedies. If only the Congress was as quick to understand the magnitude of the problem and understand that kids will continue to end up in emergency rooms or worse unless we address the hazards of backover.
If you missed the show last night; you’re in luck. It airs again tonight, Friday, November 17 at 8:00 pm EST/7:00 CST.
And, if you already have plans tonight, you will be able to catch the show tomorrow after 2am PST on their website: http://abc.go.com/primetime/greysanatomy/index
Below is a paragraph that the writers have posted on their “Writer’s Blog.”
“The last thing we want to talk about is the Bailey/Mia storyline. The great thing about working on a TV show with millions of viewers is sometimes you can impart information that can make a real difference in real people’s lives. Did you know in the U.S., 50 children a week are accidentally backed over in driveways and on sidewalks by cars driven by family members and neighbors? Gabrielle’s sister’s friend Arden Rosenfeld lost her two year old daughter, Veronica, to such an accident and her terrible tragedy inspired this storyline. “ http://www.greyswriters.com/
If we can get our TV shows to focus on this ongoing threat to children’s safety, hopefully our US Congress will do the right thing as well by passing our pending bills that simply require a ‘rear visibility standard.” Currently there are no regulations that state what we should be able to see when backing a vehicle. Thus the term, “blind zone.” As we all know, you cannot prevent hitting something you literally cannot see.
Please help to make our bills, (S. 1948 & HR 2230) a reality before the 109th Congress adjourns. We have very little time left, but our children are counting on the adults in their lives to keep them safe.
Please click the link below. It takes one minute to send a pre-written letter to your Congress person to let them know the importance of passing these pending bills.
https://secure.npsite.org/cu/site/Advocacy?JServSessionIdr011=rpplyq2g92.app5a&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=869
Yes, everyone should sign this petition!!!! (Above)