Learning more about the RCTA Rear Cross Traffic Alert on your vehicle
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) system employs the same radar technology as Blind Spot Detection (BSD) to assist drivers avoid accidents while reversing out of a parking place.
What exactly is the RCTA Rear Cross Traffic Alert?
RTCA Rear Cross Traffic Alert is intended to assist you in backing out of locations where you may not observe incoming traffic, such as in parking lots. The rear cross traffic alarm detects cars coming from the right or left in two regions behind you.
When the car is in reverse, the rear cross traffic alarm activates. If an oncoming vehicle reaches the rear cross-traffic alert detection regions while you are backing up, you will get a visual or audio warning. The visual warning might be shown on the dashboard, rearview mirror, or side mirror. If traffic approaches from the right, for example, the light will display on the right side of the dashboard, rearview mirror, or right-side mirror.
Back-up cameras are often used in conjunction with rear cross traffic alarms. When you move into reverse, both systems will activate automatically.
How To Use The RTCA Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Reverse carefully while backing out of a parking place. When other cars are identified close or in your backing path, the rear cross traffic warning system will inform you. Once your vehicle’s back end is free of nearby objects and cars, the rear cross traffic warning system will have a clear view of traffic coming from the left or right. When utilizing rear cross traffic alert, you must constantly glance over your right and left shoulders and be careful when backing up.
How Does The RTCA Rear Cross Traffic Alert System Work?
Sensors, which may employ radar or ultrasonic waves, are situated near the back bumper on either side of your car and resemble buttons. In most cases, your rear cross traffic warning will use the same sensors as your blind spot monitoring system (if you have one).
In the detection regions, these sensors check both sides of your car. When an oncoming vehicle is identified, your rear cross traffic alert system will illuminate and/or sound an alarm.
Small motorbikes, bicycles, or people are not detected by rear cross traffic warning. It may also fail to detect cars arriving from behind you or moving away from your vehicle. Furthermore, most rear cross traffic alarm systems are intended to perform best in straight parking circumstances (such as the one described above) and may not work as effectively in angled parking situations.
Precautions for Use
✅When utilizing Rear Cross Traffic Alert, keep in mind that, like with any advanced driving assistance system, safe driver-assisted technology is never a replacement or alternative for safe driving behaviors.
✅Check your owner’s handbook before activating the Rear Cross Traffic Alert or any of the other advanced driver assistance systems for important information such as how to use the system, what type of warnings or alerts may show, and so on.
✅Before getting into your car, make sure the sensors are not obstructed by dirt or snow. Also, keep in mind that the system may have difficulty running in severe rain or snow.
✅Keep in mind that this driving assistance technology was designed to aid you in reversing out of straight, T-zone parking spots. As a result, if you park in an angled parking area, the system may not function as effectively as it should.
✅Finally, bear in mind that this safety system is designed to detect other cars driving at a specific speed and is not designed to detect motorcycles, mopeds, bicycles, scooters, or pedestrians.