Lane Watch Cameras: Which Cars Have This Feature?

Honda LaneWatch™ is a camera-based system that displays a live feed of the vehicle's right-side blind spot on the car's infotainment screen. The camera is installed below the right passenger-side mirror and is activated when the right turn signal is used. Honda LaneWatch™ is available on several Honda models, including the 2020 Ridgeline, 2019 Ridgeline, Civic, Clarity, Fit, HR-V, Insight, and Pilot. However, Honda is phasing out LaneWatch in favour of traditional blind-spot monitoring systems. LaneWatch is being replaced by blind-spot monitoring, which uses radar sensors in a car's rear bumper to detect vehicles in the blind spot.

Honda LaneWatch™

However, Honda has been phasing out LaneWatch™ in favour of blind-spot monitoring systems. As of 2019, the feature was still available on six Honda models: Civic, Clarity, Fit, HR-V, Insight, and Ridgeline. It is likely that LaneWatch™ will be discontinued on these models when they are redesigned.

Despite its benefits, LaneWatch™ has faced some criticism for blocking the stereo and navigation controls while activated. Additionally, it can only monitor one lane, unlike traditional blind-spot monitoring systems. Nevertheless, many drivers appreciate the simplicity and usefulness of LaneWatch™, especially when street parking or navigating busy roads.

Honda LaneWatch™ settings

Honda LaneWatch™ is a safety feature that enables drivers to be more aware of their passenger side and offers greater visibility. The system works similarly to a blind-spot monitoring system, with a camera installed on the right passenger-side mirror, relaying images to the central display screen. This allows drivers to have a clear view of their blind spot, making it safer to change lanes or make turns.

To use Honda LaneWatch™, simply activate the right turn signal, which will automatically power on the camera. You can also activate or deactivate the system by pressing the button at the end of the turn signal lever. This button allows you to turn the system on without turning on the right turn signal light.

You can adjust the Honda LaneWatch™ settings by following these steps:

• Select 'Settings' on the HOME screen.
• Choose 'LaneWatch™'.
• Make your preferred changes.

It is important to remember that while Honda LaneWatch™ enhances your safety, it is not a substitute for safe driving practices and your own visual assessment of traffic conditions before changing lanes. Display accuracy will vary based on weather conditions, the size of objects, and speed, and it may not show all relevant traffic.

Honda Sensing® safety suite

Honda Sensing® is an exclusive intelligent suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies designed to alert you to things you might miss while driving. The system is available on all Honda models and comes with the following features:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™): This feature applies brake pressure when an unavoidable collision is determined.
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM): The system adjusts steering if you cross detected lanes without signalling.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC maintains a set following interval behind detected vehicles.
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS): LKAS adjusts steering to help you stay centred in a detected lane.
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): TSR can notify drivers of posted speed limits with the use of a small camera.

In addition to the above, Honda Sensing® also includes a Blind Spot Information System and Cross Traffic Monitor. When activated, these features use sensor inputs to automatically provide alerts and can also provide steering and braking assistance as needed.

Honda LaneWatch™ is another safety system available in some new Honda vehicles. It 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 to change lanes or make turns. This feature is activated when the right turn signal is used and can be customised to the driver's preference.

Honda vehicles with LaneWatch™

Honda LaneWatch™ is an innovative safety feature offered on many new Honda vehicles. This advanced driver-assistance technology helps drivers stay informed about the passenger side of their car, truck, or SUV, enhancing their safety when changing lanes or making turns.

The Honda LaneWatch™ system uses a camera installed below the right passenger-side mirror to capture an image of the area on the right side of the vehicle. This image is then relayed to the central display screen, providing drivers with a clear view of their blind spot. It is important to note that Honda LaneWatch™ is not a replacement for the passenger-side mirror but rather an enhancement to improve safety and driving practices.

To activate Honda LaneWatch™, simply use the right turn signal, which will automatically power on the camera and display a live video feed of the blind zone on the Honda touchscreen. Alternatively, you can manually activate or deactivate the system by pressing the button at the end of the turn signal lever.

The Honda LaneWatch™ feature is available on various new Honda vehicles, including:

• 2020 Honda Ridgeline
• 2021 Honda Ridgeline
• 2019 Honda Ridgeline
• 2021 Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid
• 2021 Honda Clarity Fuel Cell

With its advanced safety features, Honda offers peace of mind and confidence to drivers on their daily commutes and epic road trips alike.

LaneWatch™ vs blind-spot monitoring

Honda LaneWatch™ is a camera-based system that projects a live feed of the vehicle's right-side blind spot onto the car's infotainment screen. It is activated when the right turn signal is used, and the driver can also switch it on or off by pressing a button on the end of the turn signal lever.

Blind-spot monitoring, on the other hand, typically uses sensors or radar to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spot and alerts the driver through a combination of flashing lights and beeping sounds. Some blind-spot monitoring systems also include a rear cross-traffic monitor, which alerts drivers to oncoming traffic when reversing.

Both LaneWatch™ and blind-spot monitoring aim to enhance driver safety and are not substitutes for safe driving practices. However, there are some key differences between the two systems. LaneWatch™ provides a live video feed of the vehicle's blind spot, allowing drivers to see for themselves if it is safe to change lanes. This can be especially useful in low-visibility conditions or when the side mirror is obscured. On the other hand, blind-spot monitoring systems use sensors to detect vehicles and provide alerts without requiring the driver to look at a screen.

Some users prefer LaneWatch™ because it provides a more comprehensive view of the vehicle's surroundings and is not dependent on sensors, which may not detect all vehicles or objects. Additionally, LaneWatch™ can be useful for tasks other than lane changes, such as locating curbs when parking or turning, or keeping an eye on passengers outside the vehicle.

However, one disadvantage of LaneWatch™ is that it only covers one side of the vehicle, whereas blind-spot monitoring systems typically monitor both sides. Some drivers may also find the live video feed distracting or prefer the more subtle alerts provided by blind-spot monitoring systems.

In terms of availability, Honda has been phasing out LaneWatch™ in favour of blind-spot monitoring. As of 2019, LaneWatch™ was still offered on six Honda models, but it is expected that the system will be discontinued in future models. Blind-spot monitoring, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly common, with 85% of new vehicles offering the feature as of 2018.

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