Cross-traffic alert is a driving aid system that notifies drivers of when any passing traffic is in their blind spot. By monitoring the area around the car with sensors, cross-traffic alert can detect potential dangers before they reach the very near vicinity of the car, allowing the driver to take evasive action in good time if need be.
On this page, we’ll explain how cross-traffic alert works, why it can be beneficial and whether you really need it on your car.
How does it work?
When pulling out of a parking space (usually reversing), cross-traffic alert uses sensors and/or cameras to detect if there’s something in your blind spot that you may not be able to see. If a vehicle is driving past, the car will detect it and alert the driver with an audible or visual warning (sometimes both) so they can take action. If they don’t, some cars can even apply the brakes on behalf of the driver to avoid a collision.
More advanced systems have the ability to recognise cyclists and pedestrians, as well as cars driving past. Other high-tech examples use cameras at the outer edges of a car’s bumpers and display an image on the car’s infotainment screen.
In most cases, rear-traffic alert works in accordance with a car’s blind spot monitoring system to provide all-round assistance. However, you shouldn’t rely solely on cross traffic alert – always check your blind spots before making manoeuvres, even if you have the technology installed.
Do I need it?
It’s not essential, and often comes as part of optional safety packs on various cars. It’s a useful aid if you’re regularly reversing out of parking spaces into traffic, like reversing out of your driveway onto a public road, for example. You will still be safe without it so long as you drive carefully and regularly check your blind spots, especially around cities.
If you want to drive with the peace of mind that some extra tech is there to watch where you can’t, it’s a great bit of kit to have.
Also known as
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Rear-traffic alert
Looking for more jargon-busting motoring meanings? Head over to our Parkers Car Glossary page and take a look at our other definitions.
