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Chevrolet Safety Technologies Give Owners a Backup Plan


chevrolet safety technolgies (select to view enlarged photo)
wo crash-avoidance technologies available on selected Chevrolet vehicles – a rear vision camera and rear cross traffic alert – are giving customers an extra set of “eyes” so they have the backup plan they need.

Rear vision camera, rear cross traffic alert the brains behind every great vehicle

DETROIT -- January 15, 2015: Every year, millions of trash cans, lawn mowers, lamp posts and even other vehicles pay the price for the collective lack of eyes in the backs of our heads.

Two crash-avoidance technologies available on selected Chevrolet vehicles – a rear vision camera and rear cross traffic alert – are giving customers an extra set of “eyes” so they have the backup plan they need.

Most 2015 Chevrolet models are available with a rear vision camera that – when combined with driver diligence and rearview and side mirrors, help improve visibility and reduce the potential for damage to vehicles, belongings and landscaping. The camera also shows detection displays for rear parking assist and rear cross traffic alert system in models equipped with these technologies.

When a driver shifts into Reverse, the camera provides a view of the scene directly behind the vehicle on the center stack (or in some models, the inside rearview mirror) display to help them avoid crashing into objects behind the vehicle during low-speed maneuvering.

The image is removed when the driver shifts out of Reverse or when the vehicle speed exceeds 5 mph.

“Rear vision cameras have been a huge help to drivers, but they are never a substitute for conducting an actual assessment of what’s around or behind the vehicle, and using the mirrors,” said Raymond Kiefer, General Motors Active Safety Technical Fellow.

Owners can help ensure this technology does its job with regular car washes that help keep the rear vision camera located in the rear of the vehicle free of dirt, mud, ice and other substances.

An AutoTrader.com survey also showed these features rank high by the buying public.

“The majority of AutoTrader.com shoppers agree that the most important technology feature in their cars is a rearview camera,” said Michelle Krebs, AutoTrader.com senior analyst. “Not only do they want this feature, they expect it to be a standard feature in new or used vehicles on dealer lots.”

For the 2015 model year, the Chevrolet Sonic, Cruze, Volt, Malibu, Impala, SS, Camaro, Corvette, Captiva, Equinox, Traverse, Colorado, Express, Silverado, Tahoe and Suburban are available with a rear vision camera.

Rear cross traffic alert

Rear cross traffic alert is a very forward-thinking technology for anyone who has ever tried to back out of a parking spot or driveway with side obstructions.

It works when the vehicle is in Reverse, and uses one left and one right short-range radar that monitor up to 65 feet to the left and right. When the system senses approaching left or right cross traffic, red flashing triangles with left or right pointing arrows are shown in the rear vision camera screen and three low-pitched beeps sound.

For owners of Chevrolet models equipped with the available Safety Alert Seat, when activated, the seat will pulse on the side of the source of the threat, meaning a vehicle approaching from the right will trigger a vibration on the right side of the seat.

“Our owners have rated this rear cross traffic alert technology very high,” said Kiefer. “They enjoy having technology that alerts them to situations that are difficult to see, particularly if the have range-of-motion issues.”

Rear cross traffic alert is offered on the 2015 Cruze, Impala, SS, Traverse, Tahoe and Suburban.