What is Blind Spot Monitoring?

It’s no secret that changing lanes can be dangerous, and many accidents are caused on Britain’s roads by this simple manoeuvre, particularly at high speeds, and/or on motorways. What complicates the process of moving from one lane to another is a driver’s blind spot, located over their shoulder and missed by the door mirror. 

What is Blind Spot Monitoring? 

Put simply, Blind Spot Monitoring alerts drivers when there’s something in their blind spot, putting them off from manoeuvring into that lane until it’s safe enough to do so. Moving into the lane where a vehicle in your blind spot has been detected could result in a collision. 

How does Blind Spot Monitoring work? 

In order to detect a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot, the car is fitted with ultrasonic sensors, which uses sound waves to identify obstructions, such as a car or motorbike. Many can detect pedestrians and vehicles too, which comes into play when pulling out in an urban area, for example, from a parking space along a busy street. 

How does Blind Spot Monitoring alert you? 

If there’s something in your blind spot, the Blind Spot Monitoring system will alert you via a light, or a sound, depending on the manufacturer. Usually, a light on the door mirror of the side that has an obstructed blind spot will come on, most commonly in orange.  

On many systems, if you indicate to move despite that alert, a stronger warning will present itself, usually in the form of a red light, letting you know that moving into that lane now may result in a collision. 

Does Blind Spot Monitoring still let you change lanes?  

On some vehicles, a blind spot alert will incorporate steering or brake controls to stop the manoeuvre from taking place - a bit like lane departure warnings, which can act on the driver's behalf to keep the car in its lane.  

Should you rely on Blind Spot Monitoring? 

While this clever technology acts as a helper out there on the roads, you should always use your judgement as an experienced driver, and do your due diligence when it comes to keeping tabs on your blind spot. It’s vital to be aware of what’s around you, and the presence of blind spot monitoring is no excuse for complacency when changing lanes. 

Does Blind Spot Monitoring come as standard? 

Whilst it’s a popular feature on plenty of modern models, including many on the used market, it’s not a compulsory feature like Autonomous Emergency Braking is on newly manufactured cars. It is, however, such a good feature, and many manufacturers are releasing models with this functionality as standard.  

Discover 5-star safety rated cars at Carlingo 

Our knowledgeable team here at Carlingo are always keen to talk about the cars we have in stock. With low mileage, high spec models that are generally under 7 years old, there’s every chance that their new owners will enjoy technology that has been released relatively recently. 

When you’ve found a car you love the look of, ask us about its safety technology, and take it for a spin to see it in action - we’re willing to bet that you’ll be blown away!