Irvine, CA (ContentDesk) July 19, 2006 -- EchoMaster®, the premier manufacturer of obstacle avoidance detection systems and accessories introduces the Dolphin® SonarStep, an innovative backup sensing device for Pick Up trucks and SUVs with trailer hitches.As you back up your vehicle the Dolphin® SonarStep silently scans for objects in your blind zone. Unlike devices that utilize cameras and a screen that can be affected by sun glare or a dirty camera lens, the Dolphin® SonarStep offers both an audible and visual alert when an object is detected and notifies the driver of how close they are to an object with a series of warning tones. The scanning zone measures approximately seven feet out from the rear bumper and up to 8 feet in width providing confidence for drivers of even the largest SUVs and pick ups. The unit installs in 30 seconds and simply plugs into the trailer hitch - no wires to cut, no holes to drill. Utilizing high-tech RF technology, the Dolphin® SonarStep allows wireless communication between it and the drivers warning module inside the vehicle.We really wanted this to be a very easy product to install, Mark Swannie, President and CEO of EchoMaster® said, so we performed a test at NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) where dealers were challenged to see if they could install the Dolphin® SonarStep blindfolded.

The fastest install time was 12 seconds - blindfolded! I even had my 10 year old daughter install the system several times to make sure it was that easy.During 2001-2003, an estimated 2,492 children aged 1-14 years were injured annually after being struck by or rolled over by a motor vehicle moving in reverse, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC) Many were pedestrians near or behind a motor vehicle and were at home when the incident occurred. While adults are being injured or killed as well, unfortunately there are no statistics at this time,According to Janette E. Fennell, Founder & President, KIDS AND CARS, In the US fifty children are being backed over by vehicles every week. Forty-eight are treated in hospital emergency rooms and at least two children are fatality injured every week.

These unthinkable tragedies are happening most often in the driveway of the childs home. In 70% of the incidents the driver of the vehicle is their parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle or older sibling. Swannie isnt the only one interested in providing a safety net to help deter backing up deaths and accidents. Safety groups want backup technology  rearview cameras, sensors that beep or flash faster when an object gets closer, or collision-avoidance automatic braking systems  to become as common as seat belts.Currently, nearly 35 percent of 2006 auto models in the United States, or 111 out of 321, have standard or optional parking sensors but those are usually sold as part of a package with a price tag ranging from $200 to more than $9,000 in luxury cars, according to Edmunds, an auto research group.We havent even gotten the word out yet, Swannie states,  and the market has responded very favorably. What better gift than one that can help save a life or help prevent an accident. The Dolphin® SonarStep includes a 1-year warranty and retails for $249 at www.truckfancy.com and various retail stores nationwide. Attention Editors: If you would like to receive a Dolphin SonarStep to test and review, please contact Terry Kohl at pr(at)TerryKohl.com or 920-622-5536.EchoMaster® specializes in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative fleet, commercial, and vehicle safety and convenience products for the automotive industry.

www.EchoMaster.com 1-888-324-6678..