There is no safety product that as many people will recognize as a truck reverse alarm. The distinctive beeping is a familiar sound to any cyclist, pedestrian or other road user.

Which is just as well, because that is exactly the purpose of a reversing alarm. To stand out so that fellow road users know that a truck, or other vehicle, is reversing.

Because of the vehicle's large blind spot, the driver often cannot survey the area he or she is driving to. Thus, the alarm is primarily a warning to others not to move into the path of the vehicle.

Is a reversing alarm mandatory?

Because there are so many vehicles with reversing alarms, one might assume that such an alarm is mandatory. After all, it contributes to road safety.

Yet this is not the case. None of the vehicle regulations explicitly state that fitting a reversing alarm on a standard vehicle is mandatory.

So why have a reversing alarm anyway?

Nevertheless, a reversing alarm is still fitted to a great many vehicles. After all, it is a very simple and economical way to contribute to greater safety in traffic, on a construction site or in a warehouse.

In addition, the sound is now so well established that people immediately associate it with a reversing vehicle. Everyone knows, upon hearing such an alarm, that danger is imminent.

Because reversing alarms have been used for decades, they are so recognizable. The first reversing alarm, the BA1, was introduced as early as 1963 by the Japanese company Yamaguchi Electric Company.

EA9780

Reverse alarm for forklifts that produces crackling sound.

Irritating sound

Common criticism of reversing alarms is that the sound is perceived as irritating. Reversing vehicles operating at night are also a source of annoyance to local residents. The type of sound that is frequently complained about is the distinctive beeping sound.

Meanwhile, therefore, more and more vehicles are equipped with a reversing alarm that produces a crackling sound. This is also known as "white noise. The advantage of this crackling sound is that it does not carry as far and thus can only be heard in the danger zone, but then quickly breaks down.

In addition, this crackling sound is more localizable to persons near the reversing vehicle. This further reduces the risk of accidents.

Want to receive more information about reversing alarms or find out which reversing alarm is best for your vehicle? Then contact our product specialist.