Blind Spot Monitoring: Standard Safety Feature Or Recent Luxury?

Blind spot monitoring is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver's side and rear. The system was first introduced in the 2001 Volvo SCC concept car, and then placed into production on the 2003 Volvo XC90 SUV. Blind spot monitoring was initially only available in high-end luxury cars, but it has since trickled down to economy cars, with some models including it as standard. While the system is not yet federally mandated, it is expected to become an obligatory practice worldwide in the future.

The first blind spot monitoring system

The development of the BLIS system was pioneered by George Platzer, who presented the concept of blind spot monitors to Ford Motor Company. Platzer's system aimed to address the issue of improper side-view mirror adjustment, which can create blind spots for drivers. By efficiently adjusting the side-view mirrors, Platzer argued that the dangers of blind spots could be reduced. However, finding the right mirror positioning can be challenging, and inexperienced drivers may struggle with proper adjustment.

Volvo's BLIS system built upon Platzer's concept by incorporating cameras and radar sensors to actively monitor the blind spot area. When a vehicle entered the blind spot, the system produced a visible alert to notify the driver, helping to prevent collisions during lane changes. The introduction of this feature earned Volvo the AutoCar Safety and Technology award.

Since Volvo's initial introduction of the BLIS system, other car manufacturers have followed suit, incorporating similar blind spot monitoring systems into their vehicles. This includes Ford, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, among others. Today, blind spot monitoring systems have become increasingly advanced, utilizing radar-based sensors that offer improved accuracy and weather resistance compared to camera-based systems.

How it works

Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver's side and rear. It is an active driver aid/safety device that can detect what your eyes may miss, issuing a warning as a vehicle approaches in an adjoining lane.

The least sophisticated BSM systems use radar or ultrasonic sensors embedded in each side of the vehicle's rear bumper. These sensors detect a vehicle approaching the rear of your car in an adjoining lane. More sophisticated BSM systems also employ side-mounted cameras.

Once BSM senses an advancing vehicle, it springs into warning mode. The alert comes in the form of a yellow warning light on the outboard rearview mirror or the vehicle's A-pillar, driver-information display, or head-up display. Some brands, such as Honda and Kia, provide an audible alert in some models.

Advanced BSM systems will nudge you away from the lane marker or steer you back to the centre of the lane. They accomplish this through steering or by applying brake pressure to one or more wheels.

BSM often pairs with rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), which uses the same sensing tools. RCTA comes to life when you shift into reverse. Less sophisticated systems monitor vehicles on a course to cross behind your car. When RCTA detects a crossing vehicle, it issues an audible warning. More advanced systems will also recognise pedestrians and sound an alert, or automatically apply the brakes.

When it became standard in some vehicles

Blind spot monitoring systems first began to appear in top-of-the-line consumer vehicles around 2005, with Volvo leading the way. In 2011, such systems became available on high-volume models such as the 2012 Ford Focus and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. By 2016, annual BSD installations were predicted to reach 20 million (just over 25% of the predicted world vehicle market).

Volvo was the first car company to adopt the blind monitor system’s concept. They implemented BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) in their 2003 release of the Volvo XC90 SUV. The company is often regarded as the pioneer of understanding blind spot dangers and was given the AutoCar Safety and Technology award for using the first BLIS.

Mazda was the first Japanese automaker to offer a blind spot monitor, which they refer to as "BSM" (Blind Spot Monitoring). It was initially introduced on the 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring and remained limited to only that highest trim level through the 2012 model year. For 2013, BSM was standard on both the CX-9 Touring and Grand Touring models.

Ford is another popular car company to adopt blind spot monitors. George Platzer presented his idea of this system to the Ford Motor Company. Since then, the company has utilized blind spot detection systems in many cars, starting in 2009 with the Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid, and 2010 Lincoln MKZ.

The future of blind spot monitoring

Blind spot monitoring is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver's side and rear. It is an important safety feature in modern vehicles, aiming to mitigate the risks associated with lane-changing maneuvers and reduce accidents caused by blind spots.

Blind spot monitoring systems are continuously being improved by automotive engineers. Here are some potential advancements that could be seen in the future:

• Integration with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Future iterations of blind spot monitoring may be integrated with other ADAS features, such as lane departure warning systems or adaptive cruise control, to provide comprehensive safety functionalities.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: By leveraging AI and machine learning, blind spot monitoring systems can become more accurate in detecting and classifying objects in blind spots, reducing false alarms and improving overall performance.
• Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication: Incorporating V2V communication technology enables vehicles to exchange information about their respective positions and movements, improving the effectiveness of blind spot monitoring systems, especially in complex traffic scenarios.
• Wider Adoption in Cheaper Cars: As the technology becomes more widely adopted and manufacturers find ways to produce it at a lower cost, it is likely that blind spot monitoring will become more widely available across different price points. Government regulations and safety standards may also encourage the widespread adoption of this technology in all vehicles, regardless of price.
• Standardisation: Blind spot monitoring has gradually become more common in mid-range and even some entry-level vehicles. It is likely that it will become a standard feature in all vehicles, similar to how backup cameras are now mandated in every new car in the US.
• Improved Sensors and Technology: With advancements in sensor technology and AI algorithms, the effectiveness of blind spot monitoring systems in preventing accidents and saving lives on the road is expected to improve further.

The benefits of blind spot monitoring

Blind spot monitoring is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver's side and rear. It is an active driver aid/safety device with the ability to detect what the driver's eyes may miss, issuing a warning as a vehicle approaches in an adjoining lane.

Benefits of Blind Spot Monitoring:

Preventing Accidents and Minimizing Damage:

Blind spot monitoring can prevent accidents by alerting drivers to vehicles in their blind spots. According to a study, more than 50,000 road crashes could be prevented if all drivers in the US used blind spot detection systems. It also reduces the impact of accidents by minimizing injuries. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that blind-spot monitoring reduces lane-changing accidents by 14% and injuries from such crashes by 23%.

Increased Driving Awareness:

This technology enhances a driver's awareness of their surroundings, providing an early warning that increases the time to respond to potential hazards.

Boosted Confidence and Reduced Stress:

Drivers and passengers feel safer and more confident with blind spot monitoring, and it relieves some of the stress of driving in close quarters.

Larger Vehicles Benefit:

The benefit of blind spot monitoring increases with the size of the vehicle. Larger vehicles have bigger blind spots, so this technology is especially useful for trucks and SUVs.

Pairs with Other Safety Features:

Blind-spot monitoring often works in conjunction with other safety features like rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure warning, enhancing overall safety.

Assists New and Inexperienced Drivers:

Blind spot monitoring can be a valuable learning tool for new drivers, helping them develop skills like quick responses and decision-making.

Widely Available:

Blind spot monitoring is now widely available, having trickled down from luxury cars to even economy models. It is offered as an upgrade by automakers like Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Ford, Tesla, Audi, and BMW.

360-Degree Road Conditions:

The blind spot monitoring system covers 360-degree road conditions around the vehicle at low speeds, providing a comprehensive view that reduces blind spots.

Assists with Parking:

Some blind spot monitoring systems also assist with parking, helping drivers find parallel parking spaces and even guiding them into the spot.

Reduces Lane-Change Collisions:

With nearly 10% of vehicle accidents being lane-changing crashes, blind spot monitoring is an effective tool for preventing these types of collisions.

While blind spot monitoring offers numerous benefits, it is important to note that it is not a replacement for proper mirror adjustment and checking blind spots manually. It should be used as a supplementary safety feature to enhance driver awareness and reduce accidents.

Frequently asked questions