According to a recent survey conducted by the CEI Group, which specializes in accident and risk management services, 28.3 percent of respondents reported mishaps in parking lots. (Other trouble spots were on city streets, 27.1 percent, and on the highway, 18 percent.) Interestingly, the study also found that the majority of these accidents are occurring on Fridays. "This tells us that these incidents most commonly occur because the driver is distracted or is in a hurry to finish up the work week, while at the same time trying to maneuver his truck in a tight parking area," said Thomas Weiss, vice president, automotive accessories group, Rostra Precision Controls, manufacturer of the RearSentry obstacle sensing system, which uses microwave technology to warn drivers of objects in a vehicle's blind spot. "The Rostra RearSentry can significantly help fleet owners and administrators cut down on accident and insurance expenses, because it works to help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place." According to the company, the RearSentry gives vehicles an extra measure of safety. The system is designed specifically for use in fleets, and is available for installation in a variety of local delivery and medium-sized trucks, utility vehicles, cargo vans, semi-trailers and private equipment. Operating like an extra set of eyes for drivers, the company says the RearSentry detects objects that are not in clear view. It mounts out of sight behind or on the vehicle's rear bumper, and alerts drivers to obstacles up to 12 feet from the rear of the vehicle. It works in the dark and in even the poorest weather conditions like heavy fog, rain or snow. This helps to protect employees and other personnel, and also reduces damage to the vehicle from backing into objects that are not in the driver's line of vision, according to the company. "Our RearSentry kit is the perfect answer for companies seeking to lower their operating costs by reducing the chances of an accident occurring," Weiss added. "It's particularly useful for use in vehicles where it is difficult to see out the rear windows. The system can pay for itself if it prevents even one accident." Rostra Precision Controls Inc., headquartered in Laurinburg, North Carolina, is a supplier of vehicle speed control systems, transmission components and vehicle comfort seating systems to the global automotive aftermarket industry. The company also is a manufacturer of electronic controls, systems and components for the original equipment automotive industry. It holds ISO 9001 and QS 9000 certifications. For more information or to find a dealer for the RearSentry or other Rostra products, please call 800-782-3379, or visit the website at www.rostra.com.