Who Pioneered Blind Spot Monitors In Cars?

Blind spot monitoring is an important safety feature in modern cars, alerting drivers to vehicles in their blind spots to help prevent accidents. While the concept of blind spot assistance has been around since 1995, it was Volvo that became the first car company to offer the technology in a production car in the mid-2000s. Volvo's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) was first introduced on the 2001 Volvo SCC concept car and then placed into production on the 2003 Volvo XC90 SUV. The system used cameras and radar sensors mounted on the door mirror housings to detect vehicles in the blind spot and provided a visible alert to the driver. Since then, blind-spot monitoring has become widely available, with many car manufacturers offering it as a standard or optional feature.

Volvo was the first car company to develop blind spot monitors

Volvo's blind spot monitoring system used cameras and radar sensors mounted on the door mirror housings to check the blind spot area for an impending collision. When a car entered the blind spot while the driver was switching lanes, the system produced a visible alert. Volvo won an AutoCar Safety and Technology award for this feature.

While blind spot monitoring systems are now common in modern cars, Volvo was the first company to recognise the dangers of blind spots and implement this technology. Blind spot monitors have been shown to reduce lane-changing accidents by 14% and reduce injuries from such crashes by 23%.

Blind spot monitoring systems use sensors, cameras, and radar to detect vehicles in a driver's blind spot

Blind-spot monitoring systems are an essential safety feature in modern vehicles, assisting drivers by detecting vehicles or obstacles in their blind spots. These systems rely on a combination of sensors, cameras, and radar technology to provide drivers with critical information about their surroundings.

Sensors play a pivotal role in blind-spot monitoring systems. They are typically placed on each side of the vehicle's rear bumper, using radar, ultrasonic, or sonar technology to detect objects in the driver's blind spots. These sensors have a specific range and can detect when a vehicle or object is within a certain distance. Once an object is detected, the sensors trigger the system's indicators, alerting the driver to potential hazards.

Cameras are another crucial component of blind-spot monitoring. They are often mounted on the door mirror housings or side mirrors, providing a clear view of the vehicle's blind spots. These cameras continuously relay information to a computer, allowing the system to identify objects and assess potential collision risks. The use of cameras ensures that the system can visually confirm the presence of vehicles or obstacles, enhancing the accuracy of the monitoring system.

Radar technology is also employed in blind-spot monitoring systems. Radar sensors work in conjunction with cameras and other sensors to detect objects and determine their distance from the vehicle. Radar technology uses radio waves to identify objects and measure their speed and direction. By analyzing the reflected radio waves, the system can accurately pinpoint the location of vehicles or obstacles in the driver's blind spots.

The combination of sensors, cameras, and radar enables blind-spot monitoring systems to provide drivers with timely and accurate information. When the system detects an object in the blind spot, it activates indicators to alert the driver. These indicators can be visual, such as LED lights or warnings on the side mirrors, or audible alerts, such as beeps or alarms. Some systems even provide vibrating or tactile warnings to ensure the driver's immediate attention.

By utilizing sensors, cameras, and radar, blind-spot monitoring systems offer a comprehensive solution to enhance driver awareness and safety. They constantly monitor areas that drivers may struggle to see, reducing the risk of lane-changing accidents and improving overall driving confidence. While proper mirror adjustment can eliminate blind spots, these technological solutions provide an additional layer of protection, especially for larger vehicles with more significant blind spots.

Blind spot monitoring systems alert drivers through visual, audio, and tactile warnings

Blind-spot monitoring systems are designed to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots through visual, audio, and tactile warnings. These systems are designed to detect what a driver's eyes may miss, providing an early warning to help prevent accidents.

Visual alerts are the most common form of warning, with a yellow warning light appearing on the outboard rearview mirror, the vehicle's A-pillar, the driver information display, or the head-up display. Some systems also provide a visual warning on the dashboard, indicating the direction of the potential hazard.

Audio alerts are also used in some vehicles, often in conjunction with visual warnings. These audible alerts may sound when a driver uses their turn signal, indicating a potential merge into an occupied lane.

Tactile warnings can also be incorporated into blind-spot monitoring systems, providing vibrating alerts through the steering wheel or driver's seat.

The combination of these warnings helps drivers become aware of potential hazards and take appropriate actions to avoid accidents.

Blind-spot monitoring systems typically use radar, ultrasonic sensors, or cameras to detect vehicles in a driver's blind spot. These sensors are usually embedded in the vehicle's side mirrors or rear bumper, constantly scanning the surrounding areas.

While blind-spot monitoring was once a feature reserved for luxury vehicles, it has now become more widely available, even in economy cars. This technology is an important advancement in automotive safety, providing drivers with an extra layer of protection and helping to reduce the number of lane-changing accidents.

Blind spot monitoring systems can be purchased as an aftermarket kit for older cars

Aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems use sensors to detect hazards. Common technologies include sonar, radar, and lidar, which sense the exterior environment. Some systems also have cameras inserted into the side mirrors that relay information to a computer. Once something enters the view of the sensor and the vehicle is travelling at a specific speed, the sensor triggers an indicator to alert the driver. Indicators typically include visual LED lights and an alarm, with some systems also allowing for volume control.

The cost of aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems can vary. Basic systems can cost under $250, while mid-range systems range from $250 to $500. More expensive systems, costing $500 or more, tend to have higher reliability and accuracy due to advanced controller programming that reduces the possibility of false alarms. Aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems can be purchased from various retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Crutchfield.

While it is recommended to have a professional install an aftermarket blind spot monitoring system, it is also possible to install one yourself. The process can be fairly involved, but general guidelines are available. The first step is to place a measuring tape parallel to the vehicle's wheels and place a calibration cloth behind the vehicle, aligning it with the measuring tape at a 90-degree angle. A level should then be stood vertically against the vehicle and aligned with the calibration cloth. A marker can be used to draw a straight line on the rear bumper. The next steps involve removing the rear bumper and taillights, cleaning the calibrating positions, and placing magnets on the outside and inside of the vehicle to mark the sensor placement. The sensors can then be adhered to the marked spots and the LED indicators can be mounted inside the vehicle's cabin. Finally, the volume of the indicator can be adjusted to ensure it is at a suitable level.

Blind spot monitoring systems are now available at every price point

Blind-spot monitoring systems are now available at every price point, from premium luxury cars to affordable economy cars. Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) is a safety feature that helps keep an eye on the spaces just off the rear quarter areas of your vehicle, which are often not visible to the driver. This feature is especially useful for larger vehicles with bigger blind spots.

Initially, BSM was a novelty feature reserved for premium and luxury cars. However, over time, it has become available in more affordable models. For example, it is now standard in the Nissan Kicks S, which has a price tag of $19,500, and is also available in the Kia Forte LXS for just $500 as part of the Technology Package.

If you own an older vehicle that did not come equipped with BSM, you can also opt for an aftermarket blind spot monitor. These systems can be purchased from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Crutchfield, with prices ranging from $300 to $500 for a solid system. Aftermarket blind spot monitors can be installed professionally or even by yourself if you're handy. They typically include features such as visual LED lights, audio alarms, and sensors that detect hazards in your blind spots.

Blind-spot monitoring has proven to be an effective safety feature, reducing lane-changing accidents by 14% and resulting in a 23% decrease in injuries from such crashes, according to a 2017 report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). With nearly 10% of vehicle accidents being lane-changing crashes, BSM is undoubtedly a valuable addition to any vehicle.

Frequently asked questions