Blind Spot Monitoring: Is It Available In The 2019 Honda Fit?

Blind-spot monitoring is an important safety feature in modern cars that helps drivers avoid accidents and drive with confidence. Honda has integrated blind-spot monitoring into many of its models, including the 2019 Honda Fit, which features Honda LaneWatch, Honda's version of blind-spot monitoring. Honda LaneWatch is a camera-based system that projects a live feed of the vehicle's right-side blind spot onto the infotainment screen. While Honda LaneWatch is being phased out in favour of more traditional blind-spot monitoring systems, it is still a useful feature for drivers, providing an extra set of eyes on the road.

The Honda Fit's blind-spot monitoring features

The 2019 Honda Fit does not come with built-in blind-spot monitoring. However, Honda has started to phase out its LaneWatch camera system in favour of blind-spot monitoring. This means that future models of the Honda Fit will likely include blind-spot monitoring.

Blind-spot monitoring is a safety feature that alerts the driver to obstacles that may be hidden in their peripheral vision. This can include obstacles in the adjacent lanes on either side of the vehicle, which are commonly known as blind spots. Blind-spot monitoring typically uses radar sensors mounted on the car's rear bumper to detect these obstacles.

The Honda Fit has been criticised for its poor visibility and large blind spots, particularly on the driver's side. This can make changing lanes and turning dangerous, as other vehicles or pedestrians may be hidden from view. Some drivers have reported that they have had to adjust their driving habits, such as relying more on mirrors or physically turning their heads to check for obstacles, to compensate for the blind spots.

There are also a number of aftermarket solutions that can be added to the Honda Fit to improve visibility and reduce blind spots. These include small, round stick-on mirrors for the side-view mirrors, wide-angle rearview mirrors, and blind-spot mirrors that fit onto the existing side-view mirrors. Adjusting the side-view mirrors to face outwards can also help to reduce blind spots, although this may reduce visibility of what is directly behind the vehicle.

Honda Sensing safety features

Honda Sensing is an exclusive suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies designed to alert drivers to potential dangers on the road. It is available on all Honda models, with six core features:

Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)

Also known as automatic emergency braking, this system uses sensors on the front of the vehicle to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians ahead. If a potential collision is detected, the driver is alerted with an audible and visual warning, and if they do not brake in time, the system will apply the brakes to prevent or reduce the impact of a collision.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)

This feature uses a monocular camera to detect vehicles and pedestrians ahead and determine if a collision is imminent. If so, it will trigger an audible alert and a visual warning on the instrument panel.

Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)

The RDM system uses a camera to identify lane lines and can help the vehicle stay in its lane using steering force, braking, or both. If the vehicle is about to leave the detected lane, the system will display a visual Lane Departure Warning (LDW) on the instrument panel and, if the driver does not respond, will provide steering assistance and/or braking to keep the vehicle on the road.

Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)

LKAS uses a camera to read lane markings and assist the driver in keeping the vehicle centred in its lane. It is designed to reduce the number of steering correction movements and overall driving effort, particularly on highways.

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

This system allows the driver to set a desired speed and following distance, and it will automatically adjust the vehicle's speed to maintain that distance. If the vehicle ahead slows down or changes lanes, ACC will apply throttle to bring the vehicle back up to the selected speed.

Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)

TSR uses a camera to notify drivers of posted speed limits, helping them to maintain the correct speed.

In addition to these core features, some Honda Sensing-equipped vehicles also offer extra features such as:

• Auto High-Beam Headlights: These automatically toggle between high and low beams when driving at night to provide maximum visibility without dazzling other drivers.
• Honda LaneWatch: This feature sends a live video feed from a camera mounted on the passenger-side mirror to the infotainment display when the driver indicates a right turn.
• Blind Spot Information System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor: BSI illuminates a warning light on the side mirror if a vehicle is in the driver's blind spot, while the Cross Traffic Monitor issues an audiovisual alert if another vehicle is approaching when the car is in reverse.

LaneWatch vs. blind-spot monitoring

Honda LaneWatch is a camera-based system that projects a live feed of the vehicle's right-side blind spot on the car's infotainment screen. It was first introduced in 2012 and is currently available on six Honda models, including the Civic, Clarity, Fit, HR-V, Insight, and Ridgeline. However, Honda has been phasing out LaneWatch in favour of traditional blind-spot monitoring systems.

Blind-spot monitoring is a safety feature that uses sensors to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spots and alerts the driver with a warning light or sound. It is available on many current Honda models, including the Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Odyssey, and Ridgeline.

So, what are the key differences between LaneWatch and blind-spot monitoring? Firstly, LaneWatch only covers the right-side blind spot, while blind-spot monitoring typically covers both sides of the vehicle. Secondly, LaneWatch provides a live video feed, allowing drivers to see what is in their blind spot, while blind-spot monitoring usually relies on sensors and provides alerts without a visual feed.

Some drivers prefer LaneWatch because it offers a more comprehensive view of the blind spot and is not dependent on sensors. It can also be useful in various situations, such as locating curbs when parking or turning and monitoring the area around the vehicle when picking up children from school. However, others find blind-spot monitoring to be less distracting and more intuitive, as it does not require looking at a screen on the centre console.

In terms of cost, LaneWatch is generally more affordable, as it does not require expensive sensors or additional modifications. However, blind-spot monitoring has become more widely accepted and is now considered the industry standard.

In conclusion, both LaneWatch and blind-spot monitoring offer enhanced safety and awareness when driving. While LaneWatch provides a visual feed of the vehicle's blind spot, blind-spot monitoring uses sensors and alerts to notify drivers of potential hazards. The choice between the two systems ultimately depends on personal preference, as some drivers may find the visual feed of LaneWatch more reassuring, while others may prefer the simplicity and non-intrusiveness of blind-spot monitoring.

LaneWatch's functionality

Honda LaneWatch is Honda's version of blind-spot monitoring. It is a safety feature that uses a camera installed below the right, passenger-side mirror to relay an image of the area on the right side of the vehicle to the central display screen. This makes it easier and safer for the driver to change lanes or make turns. LaneWatch is activated by the right turn signal, which powers on the camera to show a view of the vehicle's blind zone. It can also be activated or deactivated by pressing the button at the end of the turn signal lever.

LaneWatch is available on a range of Honda vehicles, including the 2019 Ridgeline, the Civic, the Accord, the CR-V, the Pilot, the Odyssey, and the 2020 Fit. The Honda Fit earned perfect 5-star ratings for overall, frontal, and side crash protection in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash testing.

LaneWatch is not a substitute for safe driving practices but is a useful safety enhancement that can add an extra level of confidence to your driving.

LaneWatch's limitations

Honda LaneWatch™ is a camera-based system that displays a live feed of the vehicle's right-side blind spot on the central infotainment screen. While LaneWatch™ can help drivers avoid collisions when changing lanes or merging into traffic, it has several limitations.

One significant limitation of LaneWatch™ is its inability to monitor the blind spot on the driver's side. This means that drivers still need to rely on traditional mirror adjustments and shoulder checks to ensure the left side of the vehicle is clear before changing lanes.

Another drawback of the system is its reliance on cameras. In difficult weather conditions, such as ice, sleet, snow, or heavy rain, the camera lens can become obscured, reducing the effectiveness of the system.

LaneWatch™ also has limited functionality when compared to traditional blind-spot monitoring systems. It can only monitor one lane, whereas radar-based systems can monitor two lanes simultaneously. Additionally, LaneWatch™ blocks access to the stereo and navigation controls while in use, which can be inconvenient for drivers.

Furthermore, LaneWatch™ is not a standard feature on all Honda models. It is currently only available on six models: Civic, Clarity, Fit, HR-V, Insight, and Ridgeline. Honda has indicated that they will be phasing out LaneWatch™ in favour of more traditional blind-spot monitoring systems, and it is unlikely to be offered on future models.

While LaneWatch™ can be a useful safety enhancement, these limitations highlight the need for drivers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, even when such systems are in place.

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