Blind Spot Monitoring
Blind spot monitoring (BSM) is a safety system designed to reduce accidents during lane changes by alerting drivers to vehicles in adjacent lanes that may not be visible in side mirrors. Using radar or ultrasonic sensors located in the rear bumper or side mirrors, the system detects approaching or passing vehicles and provides warnings through visual icons, audible alerts, or steering wheel vibrations.
Some advanced systems integrate with lane change assist, actively intervening if the driver attempts to change lanes while another vehicle is present. For consumers, BSM reduces stress and improves confidence, particularly in heavy traffic or on multi-lane highways.
It is especially beneficial for larger vehicles with more significant blind spots, such as SUVs and trucks. However, BSM has limitations: it may not detect very fast-approaching vehicles or smaller objects like motorcycles in all cases.
Drivers must still perform manual checks to ensure safety. Automakers have made BSM widely available, and regulators increasingly encourage or require it as part of advanced safety standards.
Insurance companies often recognize its accident-prevention benefits and may provide discounts. Ultimately, blind spot monitoring represents a practical step toward improving road safety by addressing one of the most persistent challenges of driving: limited visibility.
Example
While merging onto the highway, Tom checks his mirrors but doesn’t see a car rapidly approaching in the next lane. His blind spot monitoring system illuminates a warning icon on the side mirror, prompting him to wait before merging.