Not long ago, blind spot monitoring was a feature found exclusively on premium-class vehicles; however, thanks to falling technology costs, it is now being installed in an ever-increasing number of cars.
Today, vehicles ranging from the compact Mini Coopers to large pickup trucks come equipped with an onboard blind spot monitoring system. Let’s discover what it is to decide whether you need it.
What Is a Blind Spot Monitoring System and How Does It Work?
Blind spot monitoring (BSM) is an active safety feature designed to detect vehicles in adjacent lanes that may not be visible in your mirrors. It typically works alongside Rear Cross Traffic Alert—a feature designed to detect pedestrians, other vehicles, or objects while reversing, and to alert the driver to their presence.
In Nissan and Ford vehicles, blind spot monitoring is included as part of an active safety technology package. Other manufacturers, such as Toyota, Hyundai, Honda, and Subaru, typically offer blind spot monitoring only on higher trim levels or premium models – a trend you will also see across many used car lots, including Autoland Jax.
The system uses sensors, usually located in the rear bumper or taillight area, to track nearby vehicles. When a vehicle enters your blind spot, a visual warning appears, typically in the side mirror or on the A-pillar. If you signal a lane change while a vehicle is detected, the system may issue an audible alert.
More advanced systems can also:
- Adjust for trailers when towing (offered by brands like Ford and Ram).
- Account for extended vehicle length to maintain accurate detection.
- Provide active intervention, such as braking or steering assistance, to prevent collisions, like VW does.
Advanced Features and Enhancements
Progress in the development of safety systems is constantly moving forward. Automakers continue to refine blind spot monitoring systems and expand their capabilities.
Ford’s BLIS, for instance, offers a blind spot monitoring system that remains fully functional even when the vehicle is towing.
A trailer significantly increases the overall length of the vehicle, making it more difficult for the driver to manually monitor the surrounding autos and pedestrians.
Sensors embedded in the rear taillight assemblies track the presence of other vehicles in adjacent lanes, taking the trailer’s dimensions into account, and thereby enabling the system to alert the driver to potential hazards when changing lanes.
Blind spot monitoring systems have recently received another enhancement aimed at reducing the risk of accidents: active steering assistance. Suppose you attempt to change lanes; if the system detects another vehicle in that lane, it can automatically apply the brakes or provide steering input to prevent you from executing a dangerous maneuver and to mitigate the risk of a collision.
Is This System Worth the Extra Cost?
Blind spot monitoring is one of the most useful active safety systems found in modern vehicles. The system’s visual and audible alerts help reduce accidental “cutting off” other drivers, while more advanced systems, featuring active steering assistance, help prevent accidents and make journeys safer.
Many people might consider a blind spot monitoring system to be unnecessary; after all, drivers managed without one for decades feeling no apparent inconvenience. If you are purchasing a budget-friendly car that isn’t equipped with blind spot monitoring, you are unlikely to be particularly upset about it.
However, if you are looking to buy a larger, more expensive vehicle, one with blind spots significantly larger than those of an older sedan, then having this feature can be extremely beneficial. In any case, extra safety never hurts and is never a bad thing to have.
What Should You Look For When Buying a Pre-owned Car?
Pay attention to the placement of the indicator lights. They are typically located on the side mirrors or on the front pillars inside the cabin.
- Indicator placement: Usually located on side mirrors or interior pillars; visibility is key.
- Alert settings: Check whether the system allows you to adjust alert volume.
- Feature availability: Determine whether the system includes rear cross-traffic alert or automatic braking.
- Naming differences: Some brands use unique names, such as Audi Side Assist, but functionality remains similar.
Blind spot monitoring has evolved from a luxury feature into a widely available safety tool. While not essential for every driver, it can significantly improve awareness and reduce the likelihood of accidents, especially in large vehicles or heavy traffic.
