Evolution Of Blind Spot Monitoring In Vehicles

Blind spot monitoring is an advanced driver-assistance system that acts as a second set of eyes, alerting drivers to objects lurking next to the car's rear-quarter panels. While the concept of blind spot assistance has been around since 1995, it was in the mid-2000s that Volvo became the first manufacturer to offer the technology in a production car. The 2005 Volvo S80 was the first car to introduce blind spot monitoring, and since then, the feature has become widely available, with nearly all new vehicles in 2022 including it as a standard or optional feature.

Volvo was the first manufacturer to offer blind spot monitoring in a production car

Blind spots are a serious issue for drivers, and many road accidents occur due to drivers failing to spot vehicles in their blind spots. In 1995, George Platzer presented a paper to the Society of Automotive Engineers, documenting a method of adjusting side-view mirrors to eliminate blind spots. However, this method is often overlooked in driver's education and can be hard to get used to.

BLIS was designed to identify vehicles that side-view mirrors cannot detect, and it is active at speeds above 10km (about 6mph). The system will alert the driver of vehicles in their blind spot at speeds of about 20km or 12mph slower than them, and it can monitor vehicles that are travelling up to 70km or 43mph faster. BLIS won the Autocar Safety and Technology award, and was said to be the most useful, original, and intuitive safety technology to reach the auto production line in many years.

Since Volvo introduced BLIS, blind spot monitoring has become widely available. For the 2022 model year, nearly all new vehicles either included blind spot monitoring as a standard feature or offered it as an option.

Blind spot monitoring systems use sensors, cameras, or both

Blind-spot monitoring systems use sensors, cameras, or both. These systems are designed to detect vehicles in a driver's blind spot, typically located to the side and rear of the vehicle. The alerts produced by these systems can be visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile.

Sensors used in blind-spot monitoring are usually mounted on the side mirrors or rear bumper of a vehicle. They detect vehicles in adjacent lanes and provide alerts to the driver. Some systems may also use sensors to detect attached trailers or other objects when backing out of a parking space.

Cameras used in blind-spot monitoring provide a live feed of the blind spot area, typically displayed in the instrument cluster or infotainment screen when the turn signal is active. This allows drivers to directly see any vehicles or objects in their blind spot.

The combination of sensors and cameras in blind-spot monitoring systems offers a more comprehensive solution. The sensors detect vehicles or objects, while the cameras provide a direct visual of the blind spot, enhancing the driver's awareness and enabling them to make more informed decisions when changing lanes or reversing.

The effectiveness of blind-spot monitoring technology has been demonstrated in several studies. For example, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported a 14% reduction in lane-change-related crashes and a 23% reduction in injuries from such crashes due to blind-spot monitoring systems.

Blind-spot monitoring has evolved from a luxury feature to a widely available safety option. Initially introduced in concept cars and premium vehicles, it is now offered as a standard feature or optional upgrade across various vehicle segments, including subcompact cars, trucks, and SUVs.

Blind spot monitoring systems became widely available in the mid-2000s

Volvo first introduced the blind spot monitoring system in the 2001 Volvo SCC concept car. The system was then produced for the 2003 Volvo XC90 SUV, which won an AutoCar Safety and Technology award. This system used cameras and radar sensors mounted on the door mirror housings to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spot and alert the driver with a visible warning.

Mazda was the first Japanese automaker to offer a blind spot monitor, introducing the feature in 2008 on the Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring. The system was initially limited to the highest trim level but was later offered as standard or optional equipment on other models, including the Mazda2, Mazda3, CX-3, CX-5, and MX-5 Miata.

Ford, which acquired Volvo's parent company in 2009, also adopted the blind spot monitoring system in its vehicles. Ford's system, known as BLIS, was first introduced in 2009 on the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, as well as the Lincoln MKZ and Mercury Milan and their hybrid variants.

Other automakers, including Nissan, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Audi, and BMW, have also incorporated blind spot monitoring systems in their vehicles, often as part of a suite of advanced driver-assistance features. These systems typically use sensors, cameras, or radar technology to detect objects in the vehicle's blind spot and alert the driver through visual, audible, or tactile warnings.

The widespread availability of blind spot monitoring systems has improved road safety and helped drivers mitigate the risks associated with blind spots, which can be caused by vehicle structure, such as the vehicle's structural pillars.

Blind spot monitoring systems can be visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile

Blind spot monitoring systems have been implemented in vehicles since 2003, when Volvo introduced the technology in its XC90 SUV. These systems are designed to assist drivers by providing warnings about objects or vehicles in their blind spots, which are areas around the car that the driver cannot see.

Blind spot monitoring systems can provide warnings through various means, including visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile methods. Visual warnings may include warning lights in the vehicle's mirrors or dashboard, while audible alerts can be in the form of alarms, buzzers, or tones. Some cars also have tactile notifications, causing the steering wheel or driver's seat to vibrate to alert the driver. These different methods ensure that the driver receives the warning, regardless of the noise level or other distractions.

Visual warnings are often preferred as they are easy to notice when a driver is preparing to change lanes. A light in or near the side mirrors will illuminate, indicating the presence of a vehicle in the adjacent lane. Some manufacturers, such as Hyundai and Kia, take this a step further by projecting a live feed of the blind spot on the infotainment display or instrument cluster when the turn signal is active. This provides the driver with a clear view of any vehicles or obstacles that may be in their blind spot.

Audible warnings are also commonly used, with sounds designed to capture the driver's attention. These can include various tones, buzzers, or alarms, ensuring that the driver is alerted to the potential hazard. However, in noisy environments or during poor weather conditions, audible warnings may be less effective as they can be drowned out by external sounds.

Vibrating or tactile warnings address this issue by providing a physical sensation that is hard to miss. By causing the steering wheel or driver's seat to vibrate, these systems ensure that the driver receives the warning regardless of the surrounding noise level or distractions. This type of notification is especially useful in situations where an audible alert may not be sufficient to capture the driver's attention.

In conclusion, blind spot monitoring systems offer a range of warning methods, including visual, audible, vibrating, and tactile notifications. Each type of warning has its advantages, and some systems combine multiple methods to maximize the likelihood of the driver receiving the alert. These systems have significantly enhanced road safety, reducing lane-change-related crashes and saving countless lives since their introduction in 2003.

Blind spot monitoring systems can be purchased as an aftermarket product

Blind spot monitoring systems are an effective way to increase road safety and prevent crashes. While many modern vehicles now have built-in blind spot monitoring, it wasn't until the mid-2000s that Volvo became the first manufacturer to offer this technology in a production car. Blind spot monitoring systems use sensors, cameras, or radar technology to detect objects in a driver's blind spot and provide visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile warnings.

If you own an older vehicle that lacks this feature, you can purchase an aftermarket blind spot monitoring system to retrofit your car. These systems are designed to be universal, compatible with most vehicles regardless of their age, make, or model. Aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems typically consist of sensors that detect objects in the blind spot and indicators that alert the driver. The sensors use various technologies, such as sonar, radar, or lidar, to monitor the vehicle's surroundings. The indicators usually include visual LED lights and an audible alarm, with some systems also offering tactile alerts.

When choosing an aftermarket blind spot monitoring system, consider the type of sensors and indicators included, as well as the ease of installation. Some systems may require professional installation, while others can be installed by the vehicle owner with basic tools and instructions. It is important to note that blind spot monitoring systems should not replace the use of mirrors and checking blind spots manually; they serve as an additional safety feature.

There are a variety of aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems available for purchase online, with options to suit different vehicles and budgets. For example, Amazon offers a range of systems, including universal 12V blind spot monitoring systems that use radar sensors and LED indicators. Other retailers, such as Tadi Brothers, offer commercial-grade blind spot detection systems designed for large vehicles like motorhomes and school buses. These systems use microwave technology to detect vehicles in the blind spot and provide both visual and audible alerts.

By installing an aftermarket blind spot monitoring system, you can enhance your driving awareness, improve safety, and gain peace of mind while on the road.

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