Lane Watch Camera: When Did Honda Introduce This Feature?

Honda LaneWatch™ is a safety feature that was first introduced in 2012. It is a camera-based system that projects a live feed of the vehicle's right-side blind spot onto the car's infotainment screen. The camera is installed below the right passenger-side mirror and sends images to the central display screen, making it easier and safer for drivers to change lanes or make turns. Honda LaneWatch™ was offered on many new Honda vehicles, including the 2019 Honda Ridgeline, 2021 Honda HR-V, and 2019 Honda Insight hybrid. However, Honda has been phasing out LaneWatch in favour of blind-spot monitoring, with most new models dropping the feature.

Honda LaneWatch™ was introduced in 2012

LaneWatch™ is activated when the driver switches on the right turn signal, or by pressing a button on the end of the turn signal control. This powers on the camera, providing a clear view of the driver's blind spot and making it easier and safer to change lanes or make turns. It is important to note that LaneWatch™ is an enhancement to existing mirrors, not a substitute.

LaneWatch™ was initially offered on many new Honda vehicles, including the 2019 Honda Ridgeline, and was available on various models such as the Civic, Pilot, and Odyssey. However, Honda has been phasing out LaneWatch™ in favour of traditional blind-spot monitoring systems. As of 2019, only six models still offered LaneWatch™: Civic, Clarity, Fit, HR-V, Insight, and Ridgeline.

While some drivers have expressed their love for the LaneWatch™ feature, Honda has shifted its focus towards more traditional blind-spot monitoring systems. The cost of radar sensors has decreased, making it more feasible for automakers to implement these systems. Additionally, LaneWatch™ can only monitor one lane, while traditional blind-spot monitoring systems can cover two lanes.

Honda is phasing out LaneWatch

Honda LaneWatch™ is an innovative safety technology offered on many new Honda vehicles. The system 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, making it easier and safer for drivers to change lanes or make turns.

However, Honda is now phasing out LaneWatch in favour of blind-spot monitoring. The affordable camera-based system will not be offered on most, if not all, future models. This shift was confirmed by Honda senior product manager Gary Robinson at a meeting with the New England Motor Press Association. Robinson stated that Honda will focus on "traditional" blind-spot monitoring systems for future models.

LaneWatch was first introduced in 2012 as a clever alternative to blind-spot monitoring, which at the time was significantly costlier due to the need for radar sensors in a car's rear bumper. LaneWatch utilised a second backup camera mounted on the right-side mirror, providing a live feed of the vehicle's right-side blind spot whenever the driver activated the right-hand turn signal.

While LaneWatch offered a practical and simple solution for drivers, it had some drawbacks. Firstly, it could only monitor one lane, whereas blind-spot monitoring systems typically cover two lanes. Additionally, some media reports complained that LaneWatch blocked the stereo and navigation controls, although others argued that this was not a significant issue when changing lanes.

As radar sensor costs continue to decrease with advancements in semi-automated and fully automated driving technologies, having two competing blind-spot systems may no longer be cost-effective for Honda from a production standpoint. Therefore, the company has decided to phase out LaneWatch and transition to blind-spot monitoring for its future models.

LaneWatch is an affordable aid

Honda LaneWatch™ is an affordable aid for drivers, giving them an extra eye on the road. The system was first introduced in 2012 as a clever alternative to traditional blind-spot monitoring. LaneWatch uses a camera installed below the right-side mirror to send a live feed of the vehicle's blind spot to the central infotainment screen. This gives drivers a clear view of the side of their car, making it easier and safer to change lanes or make turns.

The benefit of LaneWatch is that it offers an expanded field of view compared to a standard passenger-side mirror. The normal field of view for a passenger-side mirror is approximately 18 to 22 degrees, while the LaneWatch™ field of view is about four times greater, at around 80 degrees. This allows drivers to see more than two complete lanes to the right rear, up to 164 feet. It's like having an extra eye to watch for traffic, objects, or pedestrians that might be in the vehicle's blind spot.

LaneWatch is easy to use. It activates automatically when the right turn signal is turned on, or it can be manually activated by pressing a button on the end of the turn signal control. Drivers can also adjust the settings to their preference. Despite being a useful and innovative feature, Honda began phasing out LaneWatch in 2018 in favour of traditional blind-spot monitoring systems.

LaneWatch was offered on many new Honda vehicles, including the 2019 Honda Ridgeline, the 2019 Honda Insight hybrid, the 2021 Honda HR-V EX and above models, and various models like the 10th Gen Civic's, Pilot, and Odyssey. While Honda is moving away from LaneWatch, it remains a valuable and affordable safety enhancement for drivers, giving them added confidence and convenience on the road.

LaneWatch is available on the 2019 Honda Ridgeline

Honda LaneWatch™ is an innovative safety technology that helps drivers stay informed about what's happening on the passenger side of their vehicle. It is not a replacement for the passenger-side mirror but an enhancement that improves safety. LaneWatch™ 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 you to change lanes or make turns.

LaneWatch™ was first introduced in 2012 and is available on the 2019 Honda Ridgeline. It is also offered on several other Honda models, including the Civic, Clarity, Fit, HR-V, Insight, and Pilot. However, Honda is phasing out LaneWatch in favour of blind-spot monitoring.

To use LaneWatch™, simply activate the right turn signal, which will automatically power on the camera and provide a clear view of your blind zone. You can also activate or deactivate the system by pressing the button on the end of the turn signal lever. To adjust the settings, select 'Settings' on the HOME screen, choose 'LaneWatch™', and make your preferred changes.

The Honda LaneWatch™ system offers a significant advantage over the standard passenger-side mirror. The normal field of view for a passenger-side mirror is approximately 18 to 22 degrees, while the LaneWatch™ field of view is about four times greater, at around 80 degrees. This expanded view allows drivers to see more than two complete lanes to the right rear, up to 164 feet. This enhanced visibility improves safety by enabling drivers to see traffic, objects, or pedestrians in their blind spots.

LaneWatch™ is just one of the many exciting features exclusive to Honda vehicles, along with the Honda Sensing® safety suite and HondaLink® connectivity suite.

LaneWatch is not a replacement for the passenger-side mirror

Honda LaneWatch™ is an innovative technology that enhances driver safety by providing a clear view of the passenger side of the vehicle. It is not, however, a replacement for the passenger-side mirror. Here are some key reasons why LaneWatch™ is not a substitute:

• Enhancement, Not a Substitute: LaneWatch™ is designed to work alongside the passenger-side mirror, not replace it. It serves as an additional tool to improve the driver's visibility and should be used in conjunction with proper mirror adjustment and safe driving practices.
• Different Viewing Experience: LaneWatch™ displays the passenger side of the vehicle on the central display screen, which is a different viewing experience from looking at the side mirror. While it provides a clear view, it does not replace the direct line of sight offered by the mirror.
• Activation upon Turn Signal: LaneWatch™ is typically activated when the right turn signal is switched on, providing a view of the blind spot. This means it is not constantly displaying the passenger side, unlike the mirror, which offers a continuous view.
• Driver Behaviour: LaneWatch™ encourages drivers to adopt safe practices, such as using turn signals and checking mirrors before changing lanes. However, it does not replace the fundamental need to physically turn and look at the passenger-side mirror, especially when making left turns or merging left.
• Limitations: LaneWatch™ has certain limitations, such as being available only on the passenger side and potentially being affected by adverse weather conditions like rain. These limitations reinforce the need for a physical mirror, which can provide a broader field of view and is less susceptible to camera-specific issues.
• Regulations and Standards: Automotive safety regulations and standards often require vehicles to have side mirrors. LaneWatch™, while helpful, does not fulfil the legal requirements for side mirrors, which are essential for a comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings.

In conclusion, while Honda LaneWatch™ is a valuable safety enhancement, it should not be considered a replacement for the passenger-side mirror. Both work together to improve the driver's overall visibility and situational awareness, contributing to a safer driving experience.

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