Do I need Blind Spot Alert for your teen driver?

It goes by many names, but always performs the same basic function- it checks for cars that you can’t see because of your blind spots and alerts you to the presence of those vehicles. Hello moms and dads, today we are explaining blind spot alert technology and how it relates to the needs of your teen driver. We all know what blind spots are on a vehicle, every vehicle has blind spots or areas on either side of a vehicle that is not visible in the driver’s rearview or side-view mirrors. Some vehicles are worse than others for blind spot visibility.

Making their debut in 2005 with the Volvo S80, blind spot alert systems are in the family of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Blind spot monitoring systems assist drivers in ‘seeing’ the area that the driver cannot. These systems work by using radar to detect a vehicle in the blind spot areas, and since they are radar based, they do work in the dark as well.

Blind Spot technologies in vehicles come in two types: Passive alert systems, and active systems that can steer the vehicle out of trouble. The confusion comes into play because some vehicles have different names for their blind spot alert systems, or they may be bundled or integrated into other systems such as lane keep assist. Some blind spot alerts include both an audible sound when a vehicle is in the blind spot, and some may also include a vibration in the steering wheel or seat. Some even include pedestrian detection.

BSM systems warn you of cars approaching in your blind spots. They may also alert you if use your turn signal with a car in an adjacent lane. While each system is slightly different, most Use a symbol, sound or vibration to warn the driver that vehicles are located in their blind spots.

Which one is right for your teen – Blind spot alerts or Blind spot alerts with lane keep assist?

This decision is really a matter of preference. At Rookie Rides, our goal is to present all the information to you so that you can make the best decisions for yourself and your teen. Either system will help keep your driver safer than vehicles without them and we advocate for matching the feature to the child.  As a parent who may be considering this option for your teen driver, you may prefer an alert-based system that merely alerts the driver when a vehicle is in their blind spot versus one that can steer the vehicle back into its own lane.

It is worth noting that some early blind spot alert with lane keep assist systems have had instances where the systems have guided or even steered a vehicle into a potentially dangerous situation such as changing a lane when it’s not supposed to. However, those instances could be a factor of an incorrectly calibrated system from a previous accident. Personally, as a parent I want blind spot monitoring with lane keep assist for my daughter’s car because I’m not convinced that she will pay attention to the alerts, or may even turn off the systems, so I am pro blind pot monitoring with lane keep assist for her driving needs.

Blind spot alert systems can help reduce not only fatalities in teen drivers, but they can also help reduce fender benders or more serious crashes. In the Rookie Rides “safe bet score” algorithm we give points to vehicles that have blind spot monitoring technology in them.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data Institute, blind-spot detection systems have decreased lane-change crashes by 14% and lane-change crashes leading to injuries saw a decrease of nearly 25%.

It’s important that young drivers understand some of the limitations of the technology, as well. 

• BSM technology is best suited to highway driving where upcoming vehicles are not traveling significantly faster than you are. 
• Motorcycles present a bit of a challenge to the detection system because of their relatively small size. 
• Some BSM systems only detect cars that are close to adjacent and not several car lengths behind.
• The system does not operate effectively at speeds lower than 20mph.

This is a great extra aid in dealing with blind spots when driving, but should always be used in conjunction with turn signals, watching mirrors and checking over their shoulder to make your teen driver as safe as possible.

Blog Title: Is Blind Spot Monitoring and Alert a Necessity for Your Teenage Driver?

Blog Introduction: If you have a teenager who is learning to drive, you may be wondering if you need to get them a car with blind spot monitoring and alert. After all, the safety of your child is always going to be your number one priority. However, before you make any decisions, it’s important to understand exactly what blind spot monitoring and alert is and how it can benefit (or not benefit) your teenage driver.

How Blind Spot Monitoring and Alert Works
Blind spot monitoring and alert is a safety feature that uses sensors to detect when another vehicle is in your car’s blind spot. Once the sensors detect a vehicle, they will send an alert to the driver. The driver can then take action to avoid an accident.

There are two different types of blind spot monitoring systems: active and passive. Active systems will automatically take action if the driver does not respond to the alert, while passive systems will only provide an alert.

Benefits of Blind Spot Monitoring and Alert for Teenage Drivers
There are several benefits of blind spot monitoring and alert for teenage drivers. First, it can help them avoid accidents. Second, it can give parents peace of mind knowing that their child has this extra safety measure in place. And third, it can help teach teenage drivers proper safety habits behind the wheel.

Drawbacks of Blind Spot Monitoring and Alert for Teenage Drivers
There are also some drawbacks of blind spot monitoring and alert for teenage drivers. First, if the system is not used correctly, it could actually cause more accidents. For example, if the driver becomes too reliant on the system, they may not pay attention to their surroundings as much as they should. Second, these systems can be expensive, so parents need to factor that into their budget when deciding whether or not to get them for their teenage driver.

Conclusion:
Deciding whether or not to get blind spot monitoring and alert for your teenage driver is a personal decision that you will need to make based on your child’s driving habits and your budget. However, if you do decide to get it for your child, remember that it’s important to teach them how to use it properly so that they don’t become too reliant on the system.