LAURINBURG, N.C. — Nationwide statistics show that the majority of at-fault accidents in the commercial carrier environment take place when backing up.

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are approximately 170,000 commercial-carrier backing accidents each year in the U.S. alone. These accidents claim the lives of 475 people and cost more than $220 million in damages.

The NHTSA estimates that the potential of preventing back-up accidents is better than 90 percent with a detection system, and is considering proposing Federal requirements.

“Delivery vehicles up to 5.5 meters in length must be equipped with

But inclement weather, muddy roads, sunlight glare and darkness can drastically inhibit the accuracy of video and reverse sonar products engineered to operate with ultrasonic or infrared signals.

Rostra Precision Controls’ RearSentry rear obstacle sensing system uses leading edge microwave technology to detect objects within a 12-foot radius of the vehicle’s rear. Drivers are alerted through a series of audible beeps that increase in intensity, and from an in-dash LED display that changes from green to yellow to red, as objects draw closer.

A maintenance-free RearSentry system can be installed in less than 60 minutes by mounting two microwave sensors under the bumper. The wires connect conveniently to the wiring harness supplying the rear light assembly of the vehicle. An audible module easily fits inside the truck cab, and the tri-color LED display can be clearly mounted on or near the dash.

To find a dealer/installer, contact Rostra Precision Controls at 800-782-3379 or visit www.rostra.com.