Backup cameras and sensors are a big category for us at WSS. Being able to move your vehicle in reverse without hitting any invisible obstacles is more important than most people may realize. According to kidsandcars.org at least 50 children are injured in what is known as “backover” accidents a week. Also, from 2006-2010, backover accidents accounted for 34% of non-traffic child fatalities in the US. This is a very sad statistic that can be diminished with parking-assist technology. Beyond personal injury, backup cameras and sensors can also help to avoid hitting inanimate objects and damaging your vehicle. In fact, Congress has already passed a mandate for backup cameras in new cars for all vehicles by 2014. This has not been placed into action yet, but the day is coming soon.
What Do Backup Cameras Do?
Backup cameras give you a direct view of the area which would not be visible behind your vehicle. This is accomplished by using a wide-angle camera that is typically mounted on the rear license plate, or the most centered area to which a camera can be mounted. The image will appear on whatever screen we choose automatically when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. This makes it easy for the driver to focus on what’s important. There are several options for the viewing location. There are solutions for many vehicles that have factory screens in the dash, allowing a reverse image to be displayed. But what if the vehicle doesn’t have a screen already?
Backup Cameras Viewed From Your Rear View Mirror
Many times we install a replacement rear view mirror such as one made by Rydeen. The new mirror has an area that will light up as the monitor for the camera image and then it will look like a regular mirror when it is off. If this is not possible, we have stand-alone monitors that can be mounted to the dash. There are other options if replacing the mirror as well, such as a unit that has navigation (GPS) and Bluetooth built into it. These units have an actual touch screen on the mirror allowing you to enter addresses and receive phone calls, etc. Some backup cameras also have parking assistant lines to help judge distances. This means there are bars that are visible on the screen that go from green to yellow to red. The idea being when you get to a red bar you know to stop because you are very close to the object behind you.
Backup Sensor Options
Our backup cameras give you an excellent picture of the blind spot behind a vehicle, but what if you want an audible warning? This is where backup sensors come into play. When properly and professionally installed, backup sensors can be a time saver AND a life saver. Depending on the vehicle, either 2 or 4 sensors will be installed in the rear bumper. The sensors are a little larger than a quarter in diameter. They come in black, but they can also be paint-matched to any vehicle. These radar sensors pick up any object in the direct path of motion behind the vehicle. There is a speaker installed under the dash inside the vehicle that will give audible warnings as you approach an obstacle. First it will beep slowly, and then the beeps will become more and more frequent until it is a solid tone. At this point the vehicle needs to stop moving to avoid an accident. This can help avoid hitting objects or people accidentally, but it can also help during regular parking. You can now accurately judge the distance from your rear bumper to the wall in a parking garage using the speed of the audible tones as a reference, saving you time if you are running late to work!
Collision avoidance via backup cameras and backup sensors is important in this new day and age of technology. The solutions to avoid backup accidents (whether miniscule or devastating) are readily available. WSS takes pride in installing technologies such as these which make a measurable difference in the world today. We are happy to offer these services to all of Westminster and the surrounding areas. WSS even installs backup sensors and cameras for dealerships in the Carroll County area. This is something that may have been thought of as a “luxury” option in years past, but is quickly becoming a necessity. The price of such packages has come down dramatically over the last few years, making it an affordable addition to any vehicle whether new or old!
Backup Cameras At WSS Westminster Speed and Sound
WSS is proud to offer user-friendly, reliable collision avoidance options to our customers. There are many low quality systems available out there. We have carefully selected the most reliable and best performing products. We sell many items that may be considered “toys”… But this is not one of them. We can help save lives. If Congress thinks this is important enough to mandate, don’t you? Stop by the store at your convenience, or send us an email! We can work with you to find the best possible solution for your particular vehicle. Here at WSS our goal is exceeding our customers’ expectations in every way we can. Customer service is extremely important to us, and we guarantee you will not be disappointed.
For more information, give us a call at 410-857-5300, EMAIL US, or just stop in and allow us to show you around!
