Imagine driving on a busy highway, and suddenly, a car you didn’t see appears in your blind spot, causing a near accident. This situation happens often and shows why Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is so important in today’s cars.
BSM systems, which first came out in the mid-1990s, use radar or ultrasonic sensors to spot cars you can’t see and warn you with lights and sounds.
Big car companies like Volvo, Mazda, and Ford have made BSM a key safety feature.
But how has this technology changed over time, and what difference has it made for road safety?
History and Evolution
How did blind spot monitoring systems start?
It began with George Platzer’s invention in 1995, which Ford quickly adopted.
Volvo’s 2001 SCC concept car introduced the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) using radar and cameras.
In 2008, Mazda’s CX-9 featured Blind Spot Monitoring with visual warnings.
Today, modern systems use ultrasonic sensors to detect rear blind spots, making lane changes safer.
Key Manufacturers
Several key manufacturers have played a big role in making blind spot monitoring systems common, making driving safer around the world. Volvo started with its BLIS system in 2003, and Mazda followed with its BSM system in 2008. Ford came out with its BLIS system in 2009, and Mitsubishi introduced its BSW system in 2016. These systems use warning lights in the side mirrors to alert drivers about vehicles in their blind spots, helping to avoid accidents.
| Manufacturer | System |
|---|---|
| Volvo | Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) |
| Mazda | Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) |
| Mitsubishi | Blind Spot Warning (BSW) |
Technology and Features
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) systems use advanced technology, with radar or ultrasonic sensors placed in the rear bumpers to spot cars in the driver’s blind spots.
These systems give visual alerts in the side mirrors or on the A-pillars and sound warnings if the turn signal is on.
Some advanced models also include rear cross-traffic alert and can even steer or brake to avoid lane-changing accidents.
Which are the Car Parts that benefited the most from Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Parking Assist and Parking Sensors work in conjunction with BSM to enhance overall safety when manoeuvring in tight spaces. While BSM focuses on monitoring the blind spots while driving, parking systems help prevent collisions at low speeds, creating a complementary safety package.
SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) drivers benefit significantly from BSM due to the vehicle’s larger size and higher driving position, which increases the likelihood of blind spots. BSM enhances driver awareness and mitigates risks during lane changes or merging.
Stability Control System works with BSM by ensuring the vehicle remains stable when making lane changes, mainly when the driver receives a blind spot alert and must make quick adjustments.
The Steering Angle Sensor is crucial for BSM functionality as it helps determine the direction of the vehicle. This allows the BSM system to provide accurate alerts based on the driver’s intended movement.
Telematics systems often integrate BSM data to offer real-time driving feedback and safety alerts, improving the overall driving experience and vehicle safety.
Rear Spoilers, though primarily focused on aerodynamics, are often found on vehicles that benefit from BSM due to their potential blind spots. Spoilers can obstruct visibility, making BSM even more useful in ensuring lane change safety.
Market Trends and Adoption
With more people caring about safety, the market for blind spot monitoring (BSM) systems is growing fast.
Consumers are asking for it more because BSM technology, now found in cars like the Nissan Kicks S, cuts down lane-changing accidents by 14%.
Trends also show that after-market systems, which cost between $300 to $500, are becoming more popular, making cars safer across different types.
