What Is The Blind Spot Assist System?
Are you a regular driver? Then, you might know the difficulty of changing lanes on highways and busy roads. It becomes nearly impossible to move, considering the speeding vehicles. Due to this, many accidents occur. The solution is using a blind spot assist system.
Blind spot assist is a system that relies on sensors mounted on the front and rear of the body. It detects whether other vehicles are approaching within 3-15 meters on all body sides. If so, a light illuminates the side view mirrors to alert the driver that it is dangerous to cut the line.
As the driver continues changing lanes, the blind spot system issues a warning. This alert can be via flashing lights or audio beeps. It notifies the driver about the approaching vehicles, advising them to stay in their lane.
What does the Blind Spot Assist system do?
To put it simply, blind spot assist systems save drivers and others from collisions. Now, let’s see how they do that.
A blind spot assist’s main job is to monitor approaching vehicles. It can see what a driver can not from the side mirrors. Based on its view, the system triggers a warning.
For instance, you are driving on a highway and trying to change a lane, but another vehicle within your vicinity may cause a collision. So, the blind spot assist system will view that vehicle and issue an alert. When you see or hear the alert, you will stick to your lane to prevent accidents.
However, it is always recommended to double-check the blind spot assist’s decisions. If no alerts are showing up, inspect from your side mirrors before changing lanes or turning.
Why Should You Install Blind Spot Assist System?
1. Assists The Driver
Although not every driver needs assistance, it can be very helpful. A blind spot assist system can come in real handy on highways. It can warn you of the oncoming vehicles that you might not be able to see. Hence, it can make driving one bit easier.
2. Prevents Accidents
Crashes are very common when changing lanes. That happens because drivers can not see other vehicles moving into their lanes. But blind spot monitoring systems can do that. Not only can they see that, but they also alert the driver not to change lanes.
3. Empowers New Drivers
If you are new to driving, an assisting device can be very beneficial. It can help you take your driving skills to the next level. Since it offers extra coverage, a new driver can always track if they are moving in the right direction.
4. Works In Difficult Situations
A blind spot assist system works in all weather situations. It offers accurate results whether it is raining, snowing, or fog. The system’s view may be blocked with frequent driving, but you can easily clear it again.
5. Alerts About All Vehicles
Modern blind spot assist systems also inform you of oncoming motorcycles. So, you can always steer clear of them to avoid accidents. Additionally, these systems notify you about large vehicles, like trucks. They can be a big reason for fatal accidents if not handled properly.
6. Reduces Stress
Driving is a stressful task. Many new and experienced drivers get anxious when they come across busy highways where cars are speeding. That is when the blind spot assist becomes the most useful. It reduces your stress level by always notifying you of the rear and side view.
7. One Less Thing To Worry About
You can focus on other driving aspects when you do not have to worry about the surrounding of your vehicle. The blind spot assist system takes care of one of the most important tasks of monitoring your lane and blind spots. This way, you can drive safely and without worries.
8. Comes In Different Types
A blind spot detection system is not limited to one single type. You will find options that generate audible warnings with chimes or beep sounds. At the same time, many other options produce visual cues, like flashing lights. Then, there are the ones that have properties of both. They trigger warning lights as well as alarming sounds.
In case if you turn on the turning indicator while there is a vehicle on the respective side, the BSM system provides a sound alert to make you cautious. In simple cases, you get an illuminating light as repeated chime sounds disrupts the driving comfort.
How Does Blind Spot Assist System Work?
How do the BSM knows your vehicle’s surrounding? How do they provide alerts? Although the process is invisible to the naked eyes, it is quite simple. Let’s see how it works:
Firstly, you have to place the blind spot assist system on your car. Their placement can vary from model to model. The most popular position is on the sideview mirrors. However, many people prefer the A-pillar inside the car near the window. It is also a less-distracting and helpful position for the blind spot assist system.
After that, you drive a car as normal. The system works better and more precisely on highways and broader roads. A blind spot monitoring system consists of radar-based sensors. They are placed on your car’s rear bumper. Their job is to monitor the oncoming vehicles and provide alerts as per the disruption in their emitted radar waves.
The sensors can detect an approaching vehicle if it is in the system’s vicinity. Basically, the radar emits waves to a certain range, called the waves vicinity. So, the alerts will only generate if another vehicle enters this vicinity or range. Every blind spot assist system model has a different range. Similarly, their speed detection limits also vary. The most common options can detect vehicles having a speed of 10 km/h.
When the sensors detect an oncoming vehicle, they trigger a signal. That warning notification goes to the system’s alert. It could be a visual alert, like flashing lights. Some blind spot assist systems have audible warnings, like chimes or beeps but only provide them in case of a turn.
After receiving the signal, the driver should decide what to do. If you get the alert, it is better to stick to your lane. This way, you can minimize the chances of collisions with approaching vehicles from adjoining lanes. If there are no warnings, it is recommended to inspect the rearview from your mirrors. The driver can change the lane or turn if the lane is clear.
What To Know Before Installing A Blind Spot Assist?
Although BSM has many benefits, it also has limitations and things to consider. Here’s what you need to keep in mind before installing one in your car:
The Limitations
A blind spot assist system may not work in some scenarios. In some situations, it may not provide accurate results. For instance, it does not detect slower and parked vehicles. It can only detect vehicles with a speed of 10 km/h at least.Also, blind spot assist does not work if the car comes directly from the same speed as your car. The same can be said for a situation where a vehicle is coming directly from your opposite direction.
Similarly, blind spot detection does not work on non-moving objects, like guard rails, poles, lights, etc.
Different Approaches
Every blind spot assist system may work differently. Some are equipped with visual alerting techniques, like warning lights. On the other hand, many blind spot sensors produce audible cues. You can read how your model work by reading its manufacturer’s manual.
Also, not every blind spot assist system has the same speed limit. Some might not even detect vehicles with a speed of 10 km/h. That’s because their starting range can be greater.
Where Does It Work
A blind spot assist systems work accurately on highways. It may not work the same on smaller and slower streets. That said, you do not need to worry about the weather conditions. The radar-based sensors are not affected by outdoor elements, including rain, fog, snow, mud, ice, etc.
A blind spot system works when a car is:
- Approaching from your adjacent lane.
- Entering your danger/warning zone.
- Near a vehicle that is changing its lane.
Precautions
It is crucial to know that a blind spot monitoring system is not a replacement for your driving skills, practices, safety parameters, and training. It is simply an assisting technology to minimize the chances of crashes and accidents.
Even when following the blind spot assist system’s instructions, one should always double-check. A driver should always inspect the road from his side view mirrors. That’s because the system does not promote dependence on it. A driver should stick to his basic driving safe practices.
Conclusion
Blind spot assist systems can save lives if used correctly. All you need is to drive safely while considering the warnings triggered by the sensors. If you follow them carefully, you can minimize chances of road accidents to zero.The best part is that you can find universal blind spot systems. That means they can be installed in all cars, regardless of their brand or model. Pick the option that fits your requirements and budget!
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