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The blind spot monitor is a vehicle-based sensor device that detects other vehicles located to the driver’s side and rear. Warnings can be visual, audible, vibrating, or tactile.
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However, blind spot monitors are an option that may do more than monitor the sides and rear of the vehicle. They may also include "Cross Traffic Alert", "which alerts drivers backing out of a parking space when traffic is approaching from the sides."
History
If side view mirrors are properly adjusted on a car, there is no blind spot on the sides. This method was first revealed by George Platzer in a 1995 paper presented to the Society of Automotive Engineers, but the method is frequently overlooked in driver's education classes and takes some getting used to. Calculated elimination of blind spots by trained drivers is inexpensive and obviates the need for expensive technological solutions to that problem, provided drivers take the time to set up and use their mirrors properly.
Platzer received a patent for his blind spot monitor, and it has been incorporated into various products associated with Ford Motor Company. The blind zone mirror has been touted as "an elegant and relatively inexpensive solution" to this recognized problem.
Blind Spot Information System
BLIS is an acronym for Blind Spot Information System, a system of protection developed by Volvo. Volvo's previous parent, Ford Motor Company, has since adapted the system to its Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury brands.
This system was first introduced on the redesigned 2007 Volvo S80 sedan and produced a visible alert when a car entered the blind spot while a driver was switching lanes, using two door mounted lenses to check the blind spot area for an impending collision.
Mazda was the first Japanese automaker to offer a blind spot monitor, which they refer to as "BSM" (Blind Spot Monitoring). It was initially introduced on the 2008 Mazda CX-9 Grand Touring and remained limited to only that highest trim level through the 2012 model year. For 2013, BSM was standard on both the CX-9 Touring and Grand Touring models.
Mazda also added BSM to the redesigned 2009 Mazda 6. Blind spot monitoring was standard equipment on the 6i and 6s Grand Touring trim levels, and was an available option on some lower trim levels. Mazda has since expanded the availability of BSM, having added it to the feature list of the Mazda3, CX-5, MX-5 Miata, and the upcoming CX-3, often as part of an option package.
Ford uses the acronym BLIS for its blind spot detection. The system is active both in "drive" and "neutral" transmission gears, and is turned off when in reverse or park gears. On Ford products, the system was first introduced in the spring of 2009, on the 2010 Ford Fusion and Fusion Hybrid, 2010 Mercury Milan and Milan Hybrid, and 2010 Lincoln MKZ.
Mitsubishi offers a Blind Spot Warning (BSW) on the Pajero Sport launched in 2016.
Toyota Motors' Safety Sense package, which includes Blind Spot Monitoring, among other features, is standard equipment in multiple models sold in the U.S.
Blind Spot Intervention Systems
In 2010, the Nissan Fuga/Infiniti M for the first time offered counter steering capabilities to keep the vehicle from colliding. Those capabilities have been adopted by competitors, such as Toyota, which includes them in the Toyota Safety Sense package.