- The first car alarms were introduced around 1920. These primitive alarms were attached to the drive-shaft. When the car was moved with an improper key, a bell or horn would sound. These car alarms would remain the norm until the electronic technology in cars increased in the 1960s. Eventually door sensors were implanted to automatically lock the doors, honk the horn and flash the headlights when improper use of a car was attempted.
- Car alarms have two main components--the alarm itself and the device that controls the status of the alarm. Typically, a vehicle alarm can be disarmed or activated by a small remote keypad. The keypad is usually the same one which controls the locking and unlocking of the car doors. By pushing a specific button, a car alarm can be turned on or off. The alarm itself can vary greatly, however most are distinguished by their high pitched siren.
- The types of car alarms are grouped by what triggers the alarm. The most common trigger is when a door handle is lifted on any of the car doors or the rear hatch. Other alarms are triggered if the car senses a substantial impact on any part of its body. Modern versions can be triggered by events such as excessive vibrations, unusual motions near the car and if the car is tilted.
- The most important benefit of these anti-theft devices is the fact that it will statistically lower the chances of your car being stolen. Not only does the alarm ward off criminals after it has sounded, its presence is enough to scare experienced car thieves. Another tangible benefit is lower insurance rates, as insurance companies typically give discounted rates to individuals who own cars with alarms.
- More than 1.1 million automobiles are stolen each year in the United States. According a report by the FBI, a car is stolen once every 26 seconds. As of 2005, the chances of a car being stolen stood at 1 in 207 and the criminal is arrested following a car theft less than 20 percent of the time.
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