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Last week I wrote about auxiliary mirrors.  This week’s blog will focus on other aftermarket items that may increase your safety while driving. 

The first two items are back up sensors and rearview mirror camera.  The back-up sensor works by sensing when something is behind your vehicle and emits a warning sound when you are close to an object.  An example of the sensor system is the backtracker (www.raintracker.com).

An alternative to the back-up sensor is the rearview mirror camera (www.gentex.com – look under “what’s new”).  In this system a small camera is mounted on the rear of the car which sends the picture to a   small screen in your rearview mirror affording you the ability to see what is behind you and how close you are.  Both of these items are helpful to people with limited neck mobility and to people who have one hand to steer such as those with hemiplegia or those who use hand controls.

Another helpful item is the raintracker (www.raintracker.com) made by the same company that makes the back tracker.  It senses moisture and turns on your wipers so you don’t have to.  This product can be more cost effective if you only need to change the location of the wipers.  This can be helpful for people who have decreased sensation of movement or coordination in their arms which may make locating or operating the wiper switch when driving more difficult.

A Global Positioning System or GPS as it is more commonly be referred, can be a helpful item for all driver.  There are many GPS systems and all will provide turn by turn direction from where you are to where you want to go.  Depending on the system, it may also tell you were the nearest gas station or restaurant is.  It may also let you know of current traffic conditions and detours. 

While a GPS may be helpful for people who have a disability that affects navigation abilities, I recommend that you be evaluated to determine that you are able to use it safely before purchasing one.  For all people, using a GPS system can be distracting and confusing at first.  Initially it is tempting to watch the screen rather than the road, so care must be made to make brief glances at the screen and look back through the windshield much as you would your speedometer.  Also the directions can be a bit confusing. 

For instance, the TomTom (www.tomtom.com) that I have for work give me phrases such as “in 800 yards make a right turn”.  This does not necessarily mean it is the next right.  The Garmin (www.garmin.com) is the one I have for personal use may tell me “keep left in .2 miles”.  This does not mean to get all the way to the left, but usually means the right lane will be an exit only lane or you are approaching an interchange.

I recommend that all people who get a GPS system use it initially while going to and from familiar destinations so that they get used to the quirks of their system.  This should go without saying, but just as using you cell phone while driving is dangerous, routing or rerouting yourself using a GPS system while driving is equally dangerous.  You should move safely off the road to activate and plan your route using the GPS.  Teens and new drivers should use a GPS with supervision as the system adds a layer of distraction for new drivers who are at higher risk due to inexperience.