Before we go into why both blind spot detection and collision avoidance systems are useful additions in a vehicle, let’s summarize what each is. Collision avoidance system (CAS) is a pretty self-explanatory system. Known as a pre-crash system, it’s basically an automobile safety system that is designed to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. This technology monitors three aspects; the vehicle’s speed, the speed of the vehicle in front of it, and the distance between the two vehicles. If the CAS thinks there will be an imminent collision, it will provide a visual or audible warning to the driver. In other cases, a collision avoidance system is accompanied with an advanced emergency braking system (AEBS), which can automatically activate the vehicle braking system and decelerate the vehicle (or come to a complete stop) to avoid a collision.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of a collision avoidance system, let’s dwell into the Blind spot detection (or blind spot warning). It is a type of system that uses cameras, radars, and/or ultrasonic sensors alongside your vehicle to detect the cars that are out of your line of sight (i.e. catches the cars that are either beside or behind your vehicle). Essentially, this is a tool of CAS - because it’s primary goal is to prevent collisions.
More often than not, drivers will be given an indication (visual warning) if their blind spot is occupied via outbound mirrors. However, once the driver activates the turn signal, the blind spot detection system will either generate an audible (i.e. beeping sound) or tactile alert (i.e. shaking steering wheel) in order to inform the driver that it is unsafe to change lanes or merge. In fact, there are some blind spot warning systems that use automatic emergency sterling - wherein the vehicle will automatically steer or brake if the blind spot is occupied in the adjacent lane while the driver is attempting to change a lane.
You may think that blind spot detection warnings are only useful to those who change lanes recklessly - that is furthest from the truth. We live in a world where a lot of people have cars. Knowing that, it’s evident that several different types of individuals may have access to a car. This technology goes beyond just keeping others safe from you - it keeps you safe from them as well.
For example: let’s assume you’re driving on the highway and you do your routine mirror check that you normally do before changing lanes. You’re in the clear. You don’t see a car behind you, beside you - everything seems fine. Now you turn your indicator on, check your back mirror and side mirror one more time as you’re about to change that lane - only within that time frame, another car has managed to speed into the perfect spot beside your vehicle; the blind spot. Sounds far-fetched, but this has happened numerous times - whether it be with pedestrians, bicyclists, or other cars on the road.
Beyond such a scenario, there are other reasons to install a blind spot detection system. Equipping your vehicle with this technology allows you to increase your awareness while driving. Installing this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check your blind spot though. It merely allows you to focus on the plethora of things you were focusing on while driving - without the excess strain. Simply put, a blind spot warning system can continuously monitor your surroundings even while you can’t. This in turn can help your passengers feel safer while riding with you. Lastly, this technology will increase your response time while its alarm. The time it takes for you to turn your head, look into the mirror and then blind spot can easily be lessened through the blind spot alarm (audible or tactile). The alarm may force you to reconsider changing lanes quicker than looking through the mirror at the obstacle itself.
Mobileye is a top contender amongst many for good reason. In fact, it’s a perfect example of how when safety meets innovation, the results are mind-blowing. This collision avoidance system helps drivers by acting like a “third-eye” - looking out for other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, along with lane markings and traffic signs. It identifies hazardous situations by constantly monitoring the road ahead of the vehicle - and provides audio and visual alerts to assist the drivers in preventing or mitigating a collision.
At Car Systems Installation (CSI), we sell a plethora of blind spot detection and CAS systems. Moreover, our team can do the install in any type of car for you - so you can rest assured knowing that you have a top of the line product installed by certified technicians. With our wide selection and competitive prices, our service is unbeatable. Give us a call at (416) 901-5812 today!