The first time I experienced a blind-spot warning system was back in 2007, in an Audi Q7. I didnt realize the big SUV even had the technology until I went to change lanes, and was startled when a light at the stem of the right mirror flashed at me three times. What the heck was that? After settling in my new lane, I looked in my rearview and saw a car close on my tail. Gee, I guess that space was tighter than I thought. Still, it wasnt until I pulled out the owners manual that I learned what I was dealing with: Audis so-called Side Assist. Using radar, Side Assist notices objects in the drivers blind spot a vehicles undetectable peripheral area that ranges in size from around 100 square feet for a small car to over 1400 square feet for a large SUV and then alerts the driver via a lighted LED at the base of the mirror. And if the driver misses the blazing LED, like I did, and still attempts to change lanes with a car in or close to the blind spot, the LED flashes three times, saying, Hey, idiot, watch out!
Since the Q7, Ive driven many vehicles with a blind-spot system; and every time, Ive become more convinced of its merit. Naysayers will argue that its too expensive or that drivers can just turn their heads to catch a glimpse of an occupied blind spot. But guess what? Turning your head even for a second means diverting your view of whats ahead, and at 60 mph, youre traveling 88 feet per second. And a lot can happen in 88 feet, especially when your eyes are pointed elsewhere. Further, since its debut in the mid-2000s, the blind-spot system, like any new technology, has become more affordable. At Volvo, for instance, its now a $700 option.
Speaking of Volvo, it introduced the blind-spot system in the Safety Concept Car at the 2001 Detroit show. As the safety brand, Volvo knew that about 5 percent of all police-reported crashes and 0.5 percent of vehicular fatalities stem from lane-change and merge maneuvers. Volvos current Blind-Spot Information System (BLIS), unlike Audis radar-based unit, utilizes cameras housed beneath the side mirrors to snap pictures (at 30 frames per second) that are then analyzed by a computer. Volvo introduced BLIS in its 2005 S60, V70, and XC70 models, and today it can be had on all its products.
Many luxury brands currently offer blind-spot systems. Theyre readily available on various Acuras, Audis, BMWs, Benzes, Infinitis, Lincolns, etc., but more modest makes are pushing them as well. On the $23,095 Mazda3 i GT, a blind-spot system is part of the $1400 Tech Package, making the 3 the only non-premium small car to offer a blind-spot system for 2012. Nissan and Honda fit their topline minivans with blind-spot tech; Toyota is making it available on its premium 2012 Camry XLE; and Ford offers it on the Taurus. As for Hyundai and Volkswagen? Hyundai will only say that its actively working on a blind-spot system, while VW notes it is analyzing more affordable [blind-spot] technologiesto bring this feature to the masses. VW claims Audis Side Assist, obviously available to the parent company, and its advanced radar are too cost-prohibitive for, say, Beetles, Jettas, and Passats.
Like anti-lock brakes before it, the blind-spot system will become commonplace. Id say within the next decade, easy. I know I wouldnt buy a car without one. After all, once you see the light, youll never go blind again.
Overall, the
LED lights are widely used most new cars such as
LED Dome Lights, LED Daytime Running Lights, and will come out with even more innovation in the future.
