BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Checking your blind spot can be difficult, especially if you’re on a busy motorway or dual carriageway.
There’s always the chance that the wheel will turn with your head or that the car in front of you could brake suddenly, not leaving you enough time to react. If you suffer from back or neck problems, it might not even be possible for you to turn your head enough to see properly.
All of these issues can lead to an unnecessarily stressful driving experience and that’s not good for you or your passengers. That’s where a blind spot monitor can help you.
What is Blind Spot Detection?
Blind spot monitors, also known as blind spot detecting systems, do exactly what the name suggests.
Using sensors that constantly monitor the area around your vehicle, these systems help create a more relaxed and confident driving experience.
How many times have you gone to change lanes, only to realise you narrowly avoided a close call? That’s where blind spot monitors step in – alerting you when a vehicle enters your blind spot and helping keep you safer on the road.
HOW DOES BLIND SPOT DETECTION WORK?
Blind spot detection is like having a second set of eyes in the back of your head. It monitors the areas your mirrors can’t quite cover, particularly the rear quarters of your vehicle.
If you would like more information….
1. The Sensors: The “Eyes”
The system we use relies on radar sensors which are fitted behind the rear bumper panels on either side.
How they work: The sensors emit high-frequency radio waves that bounce off nearby objects (like a vehicle in the next lane).
Speed & Distance: By measuring the time it takes for the signal to return, the system calculates the distance and speed of the approaching vehicle.
2. The Logic: The “Brain”
The system isn’t just looking for anything; it’s looking for hazards.
Speed Differential: The system usually only activates when you are moving above a certain speed (e.g., 20 mph). It is programmed to ignore stationary objects like guardrails, parked cars, or bollards for example. It focuses on objects moving at a similar or higher speed than yours.
Coverage Area: The “detection zone” typically extends from your side mirrors to about 10 feet behind your rear bumper and one lane either side.
3. The Alert
Once a vehicle enters the blind spot, the system communicates via a visual warning.
When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot an orange icon illuminates in the corner of the side mirror pillar (as displayed in the top image).
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