Reverse Cameras -

Safety benefits: seeing the complete blind spot behind you

The main purpose of a Suzuki reverse camera is to eliminate or greatly reduce the blind zone directly behind your vehicle. This blind spot has been described by safety researchers as a “killing zone” due to the number of accidents it contributes to each year.

Even with careful mirror use and over-the-shoulder checks, a large area remains hidden from view—particularly the space close to your rear bumper and low to the ground. This is exactly where young children, pets, bicycles and low obstacles tend to be positioned.

The wide-angle camera view helps drivers spot:

Children playing behind parked cars

Pets lying or moving near the rear bumper

Low obstacles such as kerbs, bollards and shopping trolleys

Bicycles and scooters passing behind the vehicle

Pedestrians walking through car parks - especially handy as it will alert you to which side their movement is on.

Consider real-world scenarios, areas like supermarket car parks and school pizones present similar challenges where pedestrians can appear unexpectedly.

By having a live, full-width picture of the blind spot on your dashboard, you can stop before moving if you detect movement or objects directly behind the car. Research suggests that backup cameras can prevent up to 70–80% of back over crashes involving pedestrians under five feet tall.

What your reverse camera lets you see that mirrors can’t: The area within one to two metres of your rear bumper, low-lying objects and small figures, and the full width behind your vehicle from corner to corner.

Protecting children, pets and pedestrians when reversing

Many low-speed reversing accidents involve young children or small animals who are difficult to see from the driver’s seat. These incidents often occur in familiar surroundings—driveways, residential streets and car parks—where a momentary lapse in visibility can have serious consequences.

The low camera position on Suzuki models is specifically designed to capture smaller children, prams, scooters and pets that may be directly behind the bumper. Before U.S. regulations mandated reverse cameras in 2018, annual statistics recorded approximately 210 fatalities and 15,000 injuries from bacrashes, with children under 12 and elderly pedestrians most at risk.

Typical home scenarios where this protection matters include:

Reversing off a driveway while children play nearby

Backing out of a terraced parking space on a residential street

Exiting a supermarket bay where pedestrians pass unexpectedly

Manoeuvring in school car parks during pick-up times

The reverse camera allows you to visually check the entire area behind your vehicle in real time before you begin moving. As you reverse slowly, you can continuously monitor the screen for any movement or approaching figures.

Extra checks to make before reversing with a camera:

Walk around the car to check for children or pets before getting in

Scan the full camera display before releasing the brake

Check both side mirrors in addition to the screen

Reverse slowly and be prepared to stop immediately

Listen for sounds that might indicate movement nearby

It is important to remember that reverse cameras are an assistance feature, not a replacement for careful observation. Drivers should always combine camera use with mirror checks and physical awareness of their surroundings. If in doubt, check it out. Nothing technology does will replace you actually checking it out for yourself. You never know, the Monday you are reversing in your drive you might miss the scooter little Aaron left lying near your car and then CRUNCH that sounds like a repair!

Visual and audible alerts: how Suzuki reverse cameras warn you of movement

In many Suzuki models, the reverse camera picture works alongside audible alerts from parking sensors or related systems. This combination of visual and audio cues creates a multi-layered safety net when you manoeuvre in reverse.

The on-screen display can guide your attention towards areas where obstacles are detected. This may appear as:

• Coloured guidelines (green, yellow, red) indicating proximity zones. So Green = Good, Yellow = Caution and Red, you guessed it = Stop
• Shaded areas highlighting detected obstacles
• Proximity bars showing distance to objects behind the vehicle

Audible warnings typically consist of beeps that increase in frequency as your vehicle gets closer to an object. This allows you to judge distance without taking your eyes off the screen for extended periods. Where factory-fitted, the system is calibrated to alert you to genuine nearby obstacles while keeping false alarms to a minimum.

Example comparison:

Without audible alerts: You reverse using only the camera image, constantly shifting focus between the screen and your mirrors, potentially missing a pedestrian approaching from the side.

With audible alerts: As you reverse, the increasing beep frequency draws your attention to an approaching object before it even enters the camera frame, giving you additional time to stop safely.

These combined systems are especially valuable in busy car parks around Dublin city and suburbs, where pedestrians can appear suddenly from between parked vehicles. The alert system helps ensure you receive timely warning even when your attention is divided.

Reverse cameras across the Suzuki range at Gerry Caffrey Motors

Many new Suzuki models sold and serviced by Gerry Caffrey Motors in Terenure come with factory-fitted reverse cameras, often as standard equipment on higher specification trims.

Here is how the feature typically appears across the current Irish-market range:

Approved used Suzuki at Gerry Caffrey Motors may also come equipped with reverse cameras. Our team can help you filter available stock specifically for vehicles with this feature if it is a priority for your purchase.

Business and family buyers from South Dublin can discuss flexible finance options and extended warranties on camera-equipped vehicles. We understand that safety features matter when choosing a car for daily school runs, commuting or work purposes.

Customers are welcome to visit our showroom in Terenure to experience how the reverse camera works in real time. Our sales team offers no-pressure demonstrations on our range of demonstrator vehicles, allowing you to see the technology in action before making any decisions.

Interested in a Suzuki with reverse camera technology? Contact Gerry Caffrey Motors for current availability and to arrange a test drive.

Reverse camera technology as part of wider in-car safety tech

Reverse cameras represent one element within a broader suite of driver-assistance systems used by Suzuki. Modern vehicles rely on various types of car sensors and cameras working together to provide drivers with clearer information and help avoid low-speed collisions.

Your Suzuki may include several sensor systems alongside the reverse camera:

Parking sensors – Ultrasonic sensors that detect obstacles and provide distance alerts

ABS sensors – Part of the abs system that monitors wheel speed to prevent lock-up during braking

Speed sensors – Connected to your speedometer to measure vehicle velocity

Temperature sensors – Monitor engine temperature to prevent overheating and engine damage

Other sensors in modern vehicles serve different purposes. The crankshaft sensor helps the engine management system determine ignition timing and fuel delivery. The oil pressure sensor monitors oil pressure to alert you of potential lubrication problems that could cause serious damage. Each sensor measures specific parameters essential to your vehicle’s safe operation and performance.

Technological progress since the late 2000s has made reverse cameras more common, with better resolution and improved low-light performance. Integration with infotainment systems has become smoother, and many buyers now expect this technology as standard.

Keeping our drivers safe both in and out of the car is a priority for Suzuki.

Practical tips for using your Suzuki reverse camera safely

Using your reverse camera correctly helps you get the maximum safety benefit from the system. Here are practical, fact-based tips to ensure you drive safely every time:

Keep the camera lens clean. Dirt, mud and water droplets can obscure the image. A quick wipe during your regular vehicle checks takes only seconds and ensures clear visibility.

Always combine camera use with mirror checks. The camera shows what is directly behind you, but your side mirrors cover areas the camera cannot capture. Use all available information before and during your manoeuvre.

Reverse slowly. A slow reversing speed gives you more time to react to unexpected movement or obstacles. This is especially important in areas where children or pets may be present.

Pause to scan the full screen before moving. Before releasing the brake, take a moment to check the entire camera display from left to right. This quick scan can reveal hazards you might otherwise miss.

Be extra cautious around schools, parks and driveways. These locations have higher concentrations of pedestrians, children and pets. Even with camera assistance, maintain heightened awareness.

Understand the camera’s limitations. Weather conditions, strong sunlight and dirt can affect visibility. The camera provides an excellent view but should never be your only source of information.

Check camera function regularly. If the image becomes unclear, flickers or fails to appear when you select reverse, book a diagnostic check promptly.

Weather, dirt and strong sunlight can all affect what you see on screen. In poor conditions, rely more heavily on your mirrors and physical checks. The camera is designed to assist your driving experience, not replace your judgment.

Servicing, checks and support at Gerry Caffrey Motors

Gerry Caffrey Motors has been an established Suzuki dealership in Terenure since 1987, offering full aftersales support for all Suzuki vehicles, including those equipped with reverse cameras.

During routine servicing, our Suzuki-trained technicians can inspect the camera unit, wiring and display functions as part of electrical and safety checks. This ensures that your reverse camera system continues to work as designed throughout the life of your vehicle.

If you notice any issues with your rear camera—such as a distorted image, error messages on your dashboard, or physical damage to the camera housing near the number plate area—our team can diagnose the problem and arrange for genuine Suzuki parts where needed. Keeping your camera in good working order is essential for maintaining the safety benefits it provides.

When handing over new or approved used cars, we demonstrate the reverse camera operation so you can leave confident in using all your vehicle’s features. Our approach emphasises clear communication and no-pressure advice, allowing you to ask questions and find the information you need.

Located in Terenure, Gerry Caffrey Motors is convenient for customers from Rathfarnham, Templeogue and surrounding areas. Whether you need to book a service, arrange diagnostics or simply want to see how reverse camera technology works, we are here to help.

Contact Gerry Caffrey Motors to book a service appointment or visit our showroom to experience Suzuki safety technology for yourself.