What causes a Crankshaft Sensor to go bad?

Well, it isn't really required, but I drive a chevy cavalier 97 2.2l 5spd and my crankshaft sensor went bad sometime yesterday. Replaced it today. Just wondering what actually causes these senors to go bad? Is it age or poor driving?

Thank you

age, cracked housing, corrosion, many things.

I have a 97 as well. Just wondering if the check engine came on and if the code was specific to the crank sensor?

Did you get the code read, if so what was it?