Sense Technologies Inc. Retail Introduction of ScopeOut at Arizona Fry's Marketplace Stores
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Created by Lowell Martinson, a Phoenix resident, ScopeOut(R) is a patented product that was four years in development. ScopeOut(R) is a patented system of aerodynamic mirrors that are strategically placed on passenger vehicles to enhance rear visibility. With ScopeOut(R), car, minivan and SUV owners will be more easily able to see children, traffic, or even pets, approaching toward the rear of a vehicle from down the street or sidewalk. Two models of ScopeOut(R) will be available, one for cars and one designed to fit most SUVs, minivans, station wagons or hatchbacks. Either model fits a wide variety of vehicles, can be installed with no special equipment within minutes, and can be removed at any time without altering or damaging the vehicle. Once installed, ScopeOut(R) is built to last for years, and is impervious to wind noise, wind vibrations, car wash damage or extreme weather conditions. It retails for under $100.
Large numbers of children are killed or seriously injured as a result of back-over injuries each year. In addition to the human toll, drivers backing out blindly cause millions of dollars in property damage. Said Martinson, "One of the main reasons I created ScopeOut was to give drivers peace of mind. As vehicles have grown larger, so have blind spots -- both for the drivers themselves, and for the blind spots they create for those around them. For me, the most aggravating scenario was when I was creeping out of a parking space in a busy area. My view was blocked by big vehicles on both sides, and I'd be backing out blindly, just praying I didn't hit anyone or get hit in the process. Most everyone can relate to this problem. With ScopeOut, the feeling of uneasiness is eliminated."
When Martinson created early prototypes, he asked people to field test it so he could be sure of its effectiveness and refine it for the numerous types of vehicles on the market today. Martinson says that the most heart-warming testimonial he received was from an elderly driver who narrowly missed hitting a toddler loose in a parking lot. Martinson said, "The driver told me if he hadn't had ScopeOut on his vehicle, he was certain he wouldn't have been able to see the child running full speed toward the back of his car." A grandfather of 14, Martinson says saving children's lives is his No. 1 priority, but giving drivers better rear vision and peace of mind is a close second.
In moving traffic, ScopeOut(R) also has the ability to protect drivers from blind spots in lane changes, which are the cause of thousands of costly accidents each year.
"Whether there is a serious injury, loss of life, property, or even pets, the one thing all back-over or reversing accidents have in common is that no one ever thinks it will happen to them. Shrubbery, high-profile cars, walls and buildings can all block a driver's view, leading to serious consequences that could have been prevented. The convexity of the ScopeOut(R) mirrors allows drivers who are reversing to see approaching traffic and other hazardous situations well in advance of a collision, yet the design is sleek in appearance. This low-profile safety device easily installs on vehicles within minutes, and it provides a panoramic rear view of approaching vehicles or children down the street or sidewalk," Martinson said.
In conjunction with its Arizona retail introduction, Sense Technologies is launching an advertising and public relations campaign, titled "Stop Backing Out Blind" that is designed to inform and educate consumers about the problem with back-over incidents. In addition to media-relations efforts, the company is purchasing television, radio and print advertising that will run October through January. (Additional retail placements are in negotiations, and a full list of stores will be available and regularly updated on the Web site at www.sensetech.com. ScopeOut(R) will also be available nationally via the company's Web site at www.sensetech.com, with a national retail rollout anticipated to be in place by second quarter 2006.
Background
Sense Technologies Inc., a publicly traded company, develops and markets backing awareness products for safety that have been created to help drivers avoid tragic accidents resulting from vehicle blind spots and impaired rear visibility. The company currently sells two patented technologies -- GuardianAlert(R), a Doppler awareness-based rear sensing device, and ScopeOut(R), an aerodynamic mirror system that enables drivers of cars, SUVs and minivans to see an enhanced panoramic rear view of oncoming traffic prior to backing out. For additional sales and product information visit www.sensetech.com.
