If your car has a monitoring system, you might have seen or heard a blind spot warning. What does it mean? And, more importantly, how to respond to it? Many people get confused after installing a blind spot sensor in their vehicle. The first alert can be very overwhelming, especially for new drivers.
Installing a blind spot warning system is highly recommended, even if you have never used it. It can save you from accidents and make you a more effective driver. This guide will tell you how to use your assistive driving system and respond to the occurring blind spot warnings. Then, you will know how to make the most out of it. So, let’s get started!
Why Do You Get Blind Spot Warning?
The first thing to understand is why does the system trigger a blind spot warning? It is actually pretty simple. The warning means the presence of a vehicle in your car’s blind spots. If you position your side-view mirrors efficiently, you can see an oncoming vehicle after the warning.
Additionally, the blind spot warning light also tells the vehicle’s direction. This way, you can know the vehicle is in which blind spot.
If you are unaware, your car has two primary blind spots. One is on the immediate left, and the other is on the right side. Due to the car’s body, these areas are not visible to the side-view mirror. However, a monitoring system can easily detect vehicles in these spots with their sensors and alert the driver.
So, when you receive a blind spot warning, you have to make the right decision. Engaging your turn signal will cause the warning lights to blink. That means changing your lane or turning your car can be very dangerous during this scenario.
Where Do You Get Blind Spot Warning?
The blind spot warning system can vary depending on the model. Generally, the indicators are placed on the side-view mirror using a sticker. Another common place is the A-pillar near your car’s window. Both of these areas are convenient to view for the driver.
However, the blind spot warning method can also differ based on your vehicle. For instance, a car’s monitoring system may not work the same as a truck’s. You can read more about your product’s specific instructions in its manual.
How Does Blind Spot Warning Work?
A blind spot warning is produced by its indicators. But how? No need to worry about it. The following steps will tell you how you get this warning.
- When you start your car, the blind spot monitors automatically turn on. But, some systems require manual activation.
- Either way, the system activates its sensors when you are at 10Km/h or more.
- The blind spot sensors contain millimeter radar waves. These waves are emitted when your system is on.
- These waves will detect any vehicle within 10 feet of your car’s rear bumper.
- In turn, the radar waves will trigger the alert indicators of your monitoring system.
- Lastly, you will see the blind spot warning on your side-view mirror or A-pillar, indicating the presence of an oncoming vehicle.
The working mechanism of a blind spot warning in car can differ. However, the basic premise is similar throughout all models. And it can be summarized in three words; activate, detect, and alert.
It is also important to know that larger vehicles, like trucks, have more blind spots. Their immediate rear and front bumper areas are also considered no-zones. Thus, their blind spot detection systems also issue warnings for these areas.
When Does Blind Spot Warning Not Work?
A blind spot warning is very reliable and offers accurate information. But it might not work in some situations. We have gathered some of those scenarios to prepare you for the road. Let’s take a look at them:
1. Smaller Vehicles
Generally, most blind spot warning systems can not detect a bicycle or motorbike. Thus, smaller modes of transport, like longboards and scooters, would also go unnoticed.
2. Stationary Objects
Sometimes, stationary objects can be a big problem, especially when reversing or parking. Parked vehicles, guard rails, lights, poles, and other non-moving objects will not trigger a blind spot warning.
3. Out Of Speed Limit
Every blind spot monitor has a speed limit for its activation or detection. Typically, most systems are limited between 10 Kmph to 120 Kmph. Any vehicle moving slower or faster than these constraints will not be detected by your system.
4. Out of Detection Range
A blind spot sensor has a limited detection range. The millimeter radar waves would not identify a vehicle outside this area. Generally, a system covers 10ft of your car’s rear bumper. But it can vary depending on a model and its capabilities.
Considerations Regarding Blind Spot Warning System
Blind spot warnings are precise as they detect a vehicle based on its speed and distance. However, it is important to not rely on them entirely. That’s because it is an assistance system with some limitations. The best way is to follow your driving safety practices, along with the system’s assistance. It can ensure maximum protection against fatal road accidents and make you an empowered driver.
4 Ways Blind Spot Warnings Can Make Driving Easier
Learning how to respond to a blind spot warning can make you a better and safer driver. It protects you, your vehicle, and others from devastating road accidents. Here are 4 ways these warnings can make driving easier, safer, and fun!
1. Make Informed Decisions
A blind spot warning indicator can help you make informed decisions on the road. It is possible by providing real-time information regarding your vehicle’s blind spots. Depending on its monitoring, you can decide when to change lanes, turn, reverse, etc.
2. Quick Responses
You might not even know it, but a blind spot warning system will make you a more skillful driver. It increases your response timing by offering you accurate data. Thus, you can make the right decisions at the right time.
3. Less On Your Shoulders
Knowing that your vehicle’s blind spots are the most dangerous areas can be scary. Many impactful car and truck accidents have been reported in these spots. However, you can lose this stress using a functional blind spot warning light. It can keep you updated about your vehicle’s danger zones, taking the burden off your shoulders.
4. Maximum Convenience
Besides safety, a blind spot monitor is also quite convenient. It is placed near the driver’s eyes, making it easier to see. Moreover, you have a wide range of systems with different features. Hence, you can pick the one that suits your needs.
Different Types Of Blind Spot Warnings
A blind spot warning can be of two types, visual or audible. Some systems have the prior, while others have the latter. But how do they work? Let’s discuss both types in detail.
Visual Warnings
A visual warning system is the most common type. It usually means a flashing light blind spot warning. The placement of this indicator can differ, but the working is pretty much the same in all systems. Generally, LED lights are used to alert the driver of a vehicle in blind spots. They start flashing when you initiate the turn signal. This warning indicates the danger of turning or lane changing at the moment.
Audible Warnings
Is your blind spot warning light not working? That could mean your system has an audible warning system. Although it is less common than the visual one, it is very convenient. It prevents the drivers from distractions or fatigue.
An audible blind spot warning means chimes or beeps to alert the drivers. Usually, these are caused by small microphones placed with blind spot monitoring systems.
What are Hybrid Warning Systems?
A hybrid warning system is a combination of both audible and visual cues. It includes the best of both worlds and is generally included in modern blind spot monitoring systems. How does it work? Well, it alerts the driver with flashing lights as well as beeps. It is an advancement that enables drivers to take a step depending on their surroundings. For example, this system will give a visual alert when there is a vehicle in no-zone. Similarly, the audible alert gets active when there is a vehicle in your surrounding and you turn on the respective indicator.
Although their cost may be higher, they are more beneficial. Both traditional warning systems have some drawbacks. For instance, a visual cue can be missed by a driver if they are distracted. Similarly, an audible chime can be overwhelming for inexperienced drivers. Combining both advantages can be a good option, making hybrid warning systems superior.
Conclusion
Using a blind spot warning to your benefit can save you from road accidents and impactful collisions. But the first step is to understand how it works. An expert recommendation is to try your blind spot monitoring system with a test drive before heading to a highway. It can help you determine the system’s working, alert framework, detection range, speed, accuracy, and more.
Another helpful kick-start is to read the product’s manual for in-depth instructions. This way, you can never make a wrong decision, considering your blind spot warning system’s specifications.
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