Over the years, you must have come across Blind Spot Monitor or BSM when reading through a car review. Often you might wonder what it truly means and its usage in the car industry. In today’s article, we will be giving you more insights on Blind Spot Monitor and its advantages.
Table of Contents
What is Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) in cars?
A blind spot monitor (BSM) is an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) that helps drivers detect vehicles in their blind spots, areas to the side of the vehicle that are not visible in the rearview or side mirrors. This technology enhances safety by alerting drivers to potential hazards and reducing the risk of collisions.
How Does it Work?
Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) uses sensors strategically placed on the car bumpers and side mirrors to scan and detect vehicles in surrounding areas. Once it detects a vehicle, it will send visual or audible to alert the driver to avert a collision.
- Sensors: BSM systems utilize sensors, typically radar or ultrasonic, located on the rear bumpers or side mirrors.
- Detection: These sensors continuously scan the surrounding areas for vehicles entering the blind spots.
- Alerts: When a vehicle is detected in a blind spot, the system alerts the driver through visual and/or audible warnings.
- Visual alerts: These typically involve illuminated icons in the side mirrors, A-pillars, or on the instrument cluster.
- Audible alerts: Some systems also provide audible warnings, such as beeps or chimes.
Advantages of Blind Spot Monitors
There are vast advantages of Blind Spot Monitors in cars, the number one advantage is the reduction of the risk of collision which can lead to fatality.
- Reduced collision risk: BSMs can significantly reduce the risk of lane-change collisions, which often occur due to drivers not seeing vehicles in their blind spots.
- Enhanced awareness: They provide an extra layer of awareness, especially in situations where visibility is limited, such as in heavy traffic or bad weather.
- Increased driver confidence: By alerting drivers to potential hazards, BSMs can boost driver confidence and make lane changes safer.
- Potential insurance discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles equipped with BSMs.
Additional Features
Automobile producers have also equipped new cars with a range of Safety and Driver Assistance Systems which include a Rear cross-traffic alert which warns drivers of approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space, a Lane change assist system that can actively intervene to prevent lane changes if a collision is imminent, Pedestrian Road Cross Assist, etc.
Considerations
- System limitations: BSMs are not foolproof and may not detect all vehicles in every situation.
- Driver attentiveness: It’s essential for drivers to remain vigilant and use their mirrors and turn signals properly, even with a BSM system in place.
- Maintenance: Regularly check the sensors for dirt or debris to ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion
Blind spot monitors have become a valuable safety feature in modern vehicles, helping to prevent collisions and increase driver awareness. If you’re considering a new vehicle, consider choosing one equipped with a BSM system. It could make a significant difference in your safety on the road.
