Blind-spot monitoring (BSM) is an advanced safety feature that alerts drivers when there is a vehicle in a car’s blindspot. BSM is standard in many new car models, although some automakers offer it only as an additional feature sold as a part of a package for an extra cost.
Some manufacturers use different names for BSM — like blind-spot detection, blind-spot information system and others. Even if it’s called something different, the systems all perform the same safety function of alerting drivers to objects in blind spots.
Why is blind-spot monitoring important?
Blind spots are areas around the side-rear of the car that a driver cannot easily see through the rearview or side mirrors. These obstructed areas can make it difficult to spot oncoming cars when changing lanes or merging, which can lead to crashes.
Research shows that blind-spot monitoring is effective in lessening the severity of such lane-departure crashes because it helps drivers change lanes more safely.
How does blind-spot monitoring work?
BSM uses cameras in the side-view mirror and sensors on the rear bumper of a vehicle to detect when there’s a car that might not be visible to a driver. It then alerts the driver with an audible warning or visual indicator in the form of a flashing light on the side mirrors, driver’s window or on the front display. Some BSM systems also alert drivers tactically, with steering wheel vibrations.
Most blind-spot monitoring systems are automatically activated when a car is going above a certain speed, and are therefore optimal for highway use. When activated, BSM issues a warning during instances when: a driver signals a lane change while there’s another vehicle to their rear, a car in the adjacent lane passes or a car approaches from the rear or side. The safety feature is not triggered when a car passes a stationary object like a pole or guardrail, or when another car nears from the opposite direction. Drivers can manually turn BSM off typically by pressing a button on their control panel.
Note that BSM should not be a replacement for drivers turning their heads to look for cars or using their mirrors, as there are some instances when the safety system might not be optimal. For example, while some new car models have alert zones up to 80 feet behind a car’s rear bumper, most BSM systems can typically only detect passing cars directly next to and a few car lengths behind a vehicle. Additionally, blind-spot monitoring may not be able to detect smaller objects like motorcycles or bicycles.
FAQs
BSM uses cameras in the side-view mirror and sensors on the rear bumper of a vehicle to detect when there's a car that might not be visible to a driver. It then alerts the driver with an audible warning or visual indicator in the form of a flashing light on the side mirrors, driver's window or on the front display.
Is blind spot monitoring worth it? ›
Put simply, yes. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that vehicles equipped with blind-spot monitoring systems were 14% less likely to be involved in a lane-change crash than those without it.
What is the difference between blind spot monitor and blind spot assist? ›
The key difference between blind spot monitoring and blind spot assist is that the latter actively assists the driver. It uses the vehicle's brakes and steering to avoid a collision.
What are the disadvantages of blind spot detection? ›
Since most blind-spot monitoring systems work on visual cues on the driver's side mirror, it may be difficult for the driver to pick up in time. An outside circ*mstance such as bright lights can affect the driver's ability to notice the signal.
How much does it cost to add blind spot monitoring to a car? ›
Blind spot monitoring systems can range from $200 - $395 and lane change assists systems including lane departure warning functions cost approximately $1,400 per vehicle identified in an analysis of Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Change Assist (LCA) systems.
What percent of cars have blind spot monitoring? ›
Seventeen (17) percent of vehicle models have blind spot technology as the standard and 57 percent have it as an option.
Can you trust a blind spot monitor? ›
How Well Do Blind Spot Monitors Work? According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, cars with blind spot monitoring systems are 23% less likely to get into injury-causing crashes.
Is there an aftermarket blind spot detection system? ›
Aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems vary in price. The most affordable system sells for $250 and under. Systems in this price range include inexpensive blind spot sensors and very basic level of indicator technology.
Can you add blind spot monitoring after purchase? ›
An aftermarket blind spot monitor is a perfect addition if you own an older vehicle that's not equipped with certain types of technology. Installing a blind spot monitor can keep you and your passengers safe from hazards you might not be able to see immediately.
Is lane departure the same as blind spot monitoring? ›
Lane change assist is designed to scan and detect the lane line on the road to help the driver switch lanes safely. Blind spot detection, on the other hand, utilizes sensors on the back and side of the vehicle to alert the driver to cars coming up quickly in the vehicle's blind spot.
For example, the bias blind spot can cause people to underestimate the likelihood of biases in authority figures, which means, for instance, that people who have a positive view of police officers or financial advisors tend to perceive them as being less biased than the general population.
Why did my blind spot monitor stop working? ›
You should look for any signs of damage, dirt, or obstruction that may interfere with the sensor performance. You should also check the wiring and connectors for any loose or corroded contacts. If you find any problems with the sensors, you should clean them, repair them, or replace them as needed.
Can you add blind spot monitoring to an older car? ›
The answer is yes; you can install these sensors in your car, motorcycle, or any type of vehicle. Aftermarket blind spot sensors are generally universal. That means the system will work seamlessly in all models and brands of your vehicle.
Do all new cars have a blind spot warning? ›
Once only found on luxury vehicles, cars with a blind spot monitor are now common at every price point. These systems use sensors to see what's in your blind spot. When something is detected, the technology warns the driver by illuminating a light either in the side-view mirror or inside the car near the mirror.
Do blind spot sensors need calibration? ›
Due to their replacement, a calibration is required. The calibration is done by making measurements from reference points on the ground that are made by suspending a plumb bob from reference points on the body.
Is blind spot worth watching? ›
Based on its completely riveting pilot, Blindspot might have earned four stars if there were any way to judge what it was going to be. Why watch a show this silly? In part because Alexander is able to make us empathize with Jane's emotional upheaval while still creating a heroine who is believably feisty and capable.
Is it necessary to check blind spot? ›
Being aware of our blind spots while driving is essential for ensuring safety on the road. It is also vital for keeping passengers, pedestrians, and other road users safe. Blind spots are areas around the car that are not visible using rearview or side mirrors. To see these spots, we need to take extra measures.
Is it important to check your blind spot? ›
You must become familiar with the "blind spots" that are present in your vehicle and you must safely perform a quick shoulder check prior to making a lane change to make sure there is no vehicle in your blind spot to avoid a potential accident.
