Chevrolet has announced they’re giving drivers two new ways to avoid accidents in most 2015 models- a rear vision camera and rear cross traffic alert.

Rear Vision Camera

The manufacturer’s rear vision camera will work similarly to other brands’ technology. 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.

After shifting out of Reverse, the image is removed if the vehicle speed exceeds 5 mph, or several seconds expire, or radio buttons are pressed, whichever comes first.

The camera also shows detection displays for rear parking assist and rear cross traffic alert system in models equipped with these technologies.

“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.

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

Backing out of a parking space? Chevrolet’s rear cross traffic alert system will help you. 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.

image courtesy of Chevrolet