Why I Got a Backup Sensor for My Truck

I remember when I first got my driver’s license. I was a brash young kid, and at the age of 17, I felt immortal.  I remember driving all day long, speeding, and disregarding every traffic rule while seeking thrills.

But then one day, disaster struck. I had parked in a parking lot at the mall and had just entered my truck in order to leave. Instead of checking the mirror and backing up slowly, I threw the vehicle in reverse and slammed hard on the accelerator.

Crash! I should have known… There was a car just backing out at the same time and I hit it full on! But, being scared, I did the worst possible thing—I pulled out and sped away, leaving the other driver bellowing and shaking his fist at me.

Luckily, I was never caught for my crime, but I always made sure to drive more cautiously in the future. The years rolled on and I became a pretty good driver. Technology had also progressed in that time and backup sensor systems were starting to available to the common man. I still had that fear of accidentally hitting another vehicle, so I decided to look into getting one of these sensors. 

A backup sensor works by pushing out ultrasonic waves 4 times per second. When these waves hit an object, the information is relayed back to the vehicle and the equipment emits a loud beeping. The beeping increases in frequency as the driver gets closer and closer to the object. The system can even be equipped to output information on an LCD screen. Some backup systems work by using backup cameras which are installed in the rear license plate frames. This system has the added advantage of delivering color images of the obstacles behind you. Some systems even have a built in GPS system which can come in handy for long drives and emergencies.