Diane Green
Blind-spot monitoring systems are becoming increasingly common in vehicles across all price points. These systems use sensors, cameras, and radar to detect objects in a driver's blind spot and warn them through visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile signals. Nissan, for example, offers a Blind Spot Warning system in some of its vehicles, such as the Altima, Maxima, and Murano. This system uses a rearview monitor camera to detect vehicles in the blind spot area and alerts the driver through indicator lights and chimes. While blind-spot monitoring systems can provide valuable assistance, it is important for drivers to still remain cautious and use their mirrors and checking procedures when changing lanes or making manoeuvres.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How it works | Uses a rearview monitor camera to detect vehicles behind and to the sides |
| Uses radar sensors on the rear bumper to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes | |
| In some models, uses a rear-mounted camera to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes | |
| What it does | Notifies the driver with an indicator when a vehicle is in the blind spot area |
| Alerts the driver with a chime and continuously flashes the indicator light if the driver activates the turn signal | |
| Assists drivers in avoiding collisions when changing lanes | |
| Automatically switches headlights between high and low beam | |
| Assists drivers in preventing lane departure | |
| Assists drivers in avoiding collisions with rearward-approaching vehicles when reversing | |
| How to turn it on or off | Use the buttons on the left side of the steering wheel |
| The function is listed as Blind Spot or BSW | |
| The location of the button to turn it on or off quickly depends on the vehicle model |
What You'll Learn
Nissan's Blind Spot Warning system
The visual indicator is typically located near the side mirror, with a green light indicating it is safe to change lanes, and a red light warning the driver to stay in their lane. In addition, if the driver activates the turn signal while there is a vehicle in the blind spot, the system will alert the driver with a chime, and the indicator light will flash continuously. This provides an extra layer of warning to help prevent a potential collision.
The Blind Spot Warning system is available on various Nissan models, including the Altima, Maxima, and Murano. It is part of the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite of driver-assistance features, which also includes automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and more. These features are automatically enabled whenever the engine is restarted, ensuring that drivers have access to these safety features at all times.
While the Blind Spot Warning system is a valuable tool, it is important to note that it should not be solely relied on. Drivers should still follow proper lane change procedures and remain cautious by using their mirrors and checking their blind spots manually. The system may not detect every object or vehicle, and it is not a substitute for safe driving practices.
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How the system works
The Nissan Blind Spot Warning system is part of the Nissan Safety Shield technologies, available in cars like the Altima, Maxima, Murano, and Sentra. The system uses a rearview monitor camera and radar sensors on the rear bumper to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spot area when changing lanes. It can detect vehicles in either lane, from the side mirrors to about 10 feet behind the vehicle.
When the Blind Spot Warning feature is enabled, an indicator light near the side mirror illuminates, and a chime sounds when the driver signals for a lane change. The light flashes green to indicate it is safe to proceed and red to warn the driver of a potential hazard. The system can also automatically switch the headlights from high beam to low beam and back, reducing the driving burden.
The Intelligent Blind Spot Intervention (I-BSI) system takes this a step further by providing countersteering capabilities to prevent collisions when changing lanes. This system assists the driver by detecting vehicles in the blind spot and applying the brakes if necessary.
It is important to note that the Blind Spot Warning System is not a substitute for proper lane change procedures. While it helps prevent accidents, it may not detect every vehicle or object around the car. Drivers should always remain vigilant and use their mirrors and blind spot checks in conjunction with the system.
Nissan's Blind Spot Warning System offers increased safety and peace of mind by providing drivers with additional information about their surroundings. This technology enhances driving awareness and assists in making informed decisions when changing lanes or merging.
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Visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile warnings
Blind spot monitors are an essential safety feature in vehicles, and Nissans are no exception. When changing lanes, a blind spot monitor can be the difference between a safe manoeuvre and a collision. But why are Nissan's blind spot monitors on the inside of the car?
Nissan's blind spot warning system uses a combination of visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile warnings to alert the driver of potential hazards. When the system detects a vehicle in the blind spot area, an indicator light near the side mirror illuminates, providing a visual warning. This light also flashes when the driver activates the turn signal, accompanied by an audible chime. The volume of this chime can be adjusted to ensure it is noticeable without being startling.
The placement of the indicator light inside the vehicle, typically near the side mirror, ensures that it is easily visible to the driver without requiring them to look away from the road. This design decision prioritises safety and convenience, allowing drivers to maintain focus on the road ahead while still receiving the necessary information.
In addition to visual and audible warnings, some Nissan models may also incorporate vibrating or tactile alerts. These could be in the form of a vibrating steering wheel or seat, providing an additional layer of warning to the driver. By utilising multiple types of warnings, Nissan's blind spot monitoring system aims to effectively capture the driver's attention and prevent accidents.
While the blind spot warning system is an invaluable tool, it is important to remember that it should not replace proper lane change procedures. Drivers should always visually check their mirrors and blind spots before making any manoeuvres. The system serves as an extra set of eyes, assisting drivers in identifying potential hazards and making more informed decisions on the road.
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The RearView Monitor
When the RearView Monitor feature is enabled, an indicator light will appear in your Nissan near the side mirror. If you signal for a lane change, a chime will sound, and the light will flash: green means all clear, and red means stay put. It is important to always check your mirrors and blind spot before making a maneuver, and only proceed when the blind spot warning light is green.
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Nissan's Safety Shield 360
One of the key components of Safety Shield 360 is the Blind Spot Warning system, which assists drivers in detecting vehicles in their blind spot areas. This system uses a rearview monitor camera to detect vehicles in the adjacent lanes, from the side mirrors to about 10 feet behind the vehicle. When the system is enabled, an indicator light near the side mirror illuminates to alert the driver of a vehicle in their blind spot. Additionally, if the driver signals a lane change, a chime will sound, and the light will flash green for "all clear" or red as a warning.
The Blind Spot Warning system is designed to prevent collisions when changing lanes and assist drivers in making safer lane changes. It is important to note that while this system provides valuable assistance, drivers should not solely rely on it and should always practice safe driving habits, including checking mirrors and blind spots before making any maneuvers.
Safety Shield 360 also includes other advanced safety features such as Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Rear Automatic Braking. These features work together to monitor the vehicle's surroundings, detect potential hazards, and provide warnings or take necessary actions to help avoid collisions.
Nissan has made Safety Shield 360 standard on many of its popular models, including the Sentra, LEAF, Maxima, Kicks, Rogue Sport, and TITAN, demonstrating their commitment to enhancing driver safety and reducing crash risks, especially for inexperienced teen drivers.
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Frequently asked questions
Nissan's blind spot warning system uses a rearview monitor camera to detect vehicles behind and to the sides of the driver. When the feature is enabled, an indicator light flashes near the side mirror. If the driver signals a lane change, a chime will sound and the light will flash green if it is safe to proceed, or red if there is a vehicle in the blind spot.
The system uses radar sensors on the sides of the rear bumper to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes. Some models also use a rear-mounted camera to detect vehicles. When a vehicle is detected in the driver's blind spot, an indicator light illuminates to alert the driver.
Blind spot monitoring systems increase driving awareness and assist drivers of larger vehicles by providing coverage of spots that the driver cannot always track while driving. These systems can prevent crashes and increase response time by alerting drivers to potential hazards.
