Honda Clarity: Blind Spot Monitor Availability And Performance

Honda Clarity is a plug-in hybrid vehicle with a Blind Spot Information System (BSI) that uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to scan for vehicles in the driver's blind spot. While this system is designed to improve safety, it is not a substitute for the driver's own visual assessment before changing lanes. The system can be customised to provide audio or visual alerts, or it can be turned off completely. Some Honda Clarity owners have expressed disappointment that the vehicle does not come standard with blind spot sensors and indicators for the side-view mirrors, and have opted to install aftermarket solutions.

Honda Clarity blind-spot monitoring systems

Honda's Blind Spot Information System (BSI) is an advanced technology that alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot. It is available on select models and trims of the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid, including the 2023 Odyssey Elite and the 2024 Civic Sedan. The system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to scan an area from the rear edge of the front doors, providing either audio or visual alerts if a vehicle is detected. You can customise the type of alerts you receive, and even turn the system off if you prefer.

It is important to note that while BSI is a helpful feature, it should not be solely relied upon when changing lanes. The system may not detect all objects, and its accuracy can vary based on factors such as weather conditions, object size, and speed. The driver is ultimately responsible for safely operating the vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Some Honda Clarity owners have expressed disappointment that their vehicles did not come with blind spot monitoring as a standard feature. However, aftermarket solutions are available, such as the BrandMotion RDBS1500, which can be installed for around $800. Additionally, some owners have found that simple, inexpensive additions like stick-on blind spot mirrors can be just as effective as more expensive monitoring systems.

Integrating aftermarket blind-spot sensors

Aftermarket blind spot monitors are a great addition to your vehicle, especially if it is an older model or an RV, and can be a good safety measure to protect you, your passengers, and other road users.

There are several types of aftermarket blind-spot monitoring systems available, and they can vary in price and accuracy. The most affordable systems are usually under $250, but they tend to be limited in functionality and accuracy and often require professional installation. The mid-range systems cost between $250 and $500 and have higher accuracy, but still not as precise as factory-installed systems. The most expensive systems are $500 and above, and they offer the highest reliability and accuracy, with advanced programming to reduce false alarms.

When choosing an aftermarket blind-spot monitoring system, you should consider the accuracy of the sensors and how easy it is to install. The best systems will have high-quality sensors that can differentiate between actual dangers and false alarms, and they will also be easy to install, either by yourself or by a professional.

To install an aftermarket blind-spot monitoring system, you will need to follow these general steps:

• Place a measuring tape parallel to your vehicle's wheels and place a calibration cloth behind the vehicle at a 90-degree angle to the tape.
• Use a level to draw a straight line on the rear bumper, making sure it is aligned with the calibration cloth.
• Remove the rear bumper and, if necessary, the taillights.
• Clean the calibrating positions on the inner rear bumper with rubbing alcohol.
• Place two magnets on the marked lines, one on the outside and one on the inside, to find the best position for the sensors.
• Mark the spot inside the bumper where the magnet rests.
• Apply adhesive to the sensors and stick them to the marked spots.
• Mount the LED indicators inside the cabin, ensuring they are easily visible without taking your eyes off the road.
• Adjust the volume of the indicators to ensure it is not too loud or startling.

It is important to note that while aftermarket blind-spot monitoring systems can be very helpful, they should not be solely relied upon. It is still essential to practice safe driving habits, use your mirrors properly, and regularly check your blind spots.

One user on the Honda Clarity Forum recommended the BrandMotion RDBS1500 system, which they had professionally installed for a total cost of $1549.95. They also suggested using smaller blue LED indicators instead of the included orange ones, as the latter may be too bright.

Another user on the same forum suggested that, while aftermarket sensors can be useful, simple stick-on blind-spot mirrors are a cheaper and equally effective alternative, costing around $10. They also noted that side-view mirrors in Europe and Japan have horizontal strips at the far end of each mirror, which greatly increases the field of view, and that these are unfortunately illegal in other regions.

Honda's BSI system

Honda's Blind Spot Information System (BSI) is an advanced technology system that alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot. Radar sensors in the rear bumper scan an area from the rear edge of the front doors, making you aware of vehicles positioned adjacent to your own. The system can be customised for audio or visual alerts, or turned off completely.

It is important to note that the BSI system is not a substitute for your own visual assessment before changing lanes. The system may not detect all objects behind or to the side of the vehicle, and its accuracy will vary based on weather conditions, the size of the object, and speed. The driver remains responsible for the safe operation of the vehicle and avoiding collisions.

The BSI is part of Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies that also includes:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Automatic High Beams
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Forward Collision Warning
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist System with Traffic Jam Assist
• Low-Speed Braking Control
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Parking Sensors

Honda Clarity side-view mirrors

Some Clarity owners have also added blind spot mirrors to their side-view mirrors, which can be purchased for around $10. These mirrors are placed at the far end of the side-view mirror and are angled outward, increasing the field of vision. These mirrors can be especially useful when parallel parking, as they allow the driver to see the lines on parking spaces and curbs.

Additionally, Honda offers a Blind Spot Information System (BSI) on some of its models, including the Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. This system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to scan for vehicles in the driver's blind spot and provides audio or visual alerts. However, it is important to note that the BSI may not detect all objects, and drivers should still visually assess their surroundings before changing lanes.

Honda Clarity's Cross Traffic Monitor

Honda's Blind Spot Information System (BSI) is an advanced technology that alerts you to vehicles in your blind spot. Radar sensors in the rear bumper scan an area from the rear edge of the front doors, letting you know if there is a vehicle beside you. You can customise the system for audio or visual alerts or turn it off completely.

The BSI system is not a substitute for your own visual assessment before changing lanes. It may not detect all objects, and its accuracy will vary based on weather, object size, and speed. The driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle and avoiding collisions.

The Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid does have a BSI system, but it is not standard on all models and trims. Some Honda Clarity owners have expressed disappointment at the lack of a built-in blind spot monitoring system, and have opted to install aftermarket alternatives.

The Cross Traffic Monitor is a feature of Honda Sensing, which is available on select models and trims of the Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid. This feature alerts you to traffic crossing your path when reversing out of a parking space or driveway. It is especially useful when your view is obstructed by large vehicles or objects on either side.

The system uses radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the left or right. Visual and audio alerts will notify you of any potential hazards, giving you time to stop and avoid a collision. The Cross Traffic Monitor is designed to assist you when reversing at low speeds, typically up to 6 mph.

The Cross Traffic Monitor is an excellent safety feature, but it is important to remember that it does not replace the need for careful driving and your own visual checks. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow safe driving practices when operating a vehicle.

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