Blinded by the light: Understanding modern car blind spot tech
What does a flashing light in the side mirror mean? What does it tell the car's driver, and what does it indicate to the person driving in the adjacent lane? It's beneficial to understand how advanced safety systems in cars function, even if our vehicles don't have them.
The blind spot detection system is one of the simplest yet most useful electronic systems for enhancing everyday safety. When driving next to another car on the highway or coming up beside a vehicle in the right lane from the left lane, you may notice a flashing orange or red light on the left mirror of that vehicle. It's typically located on the side of the mirror. This light signals to the driver that you are approaching and informs them that they might not notice you.
This is how the BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) works, aiming to warn the driver about objects in the vehicle's blind spot. This is an area that the driver cannot see in the usual way through mirrors or by turning their head.
This system monitors a larger area because it's designed to alert about vehicles that might soon enter the blind spot. It's believed to cover the area from the middle pillar (B pillar) to several metres behind the car. BLIS does not inform about vehicles directly in the same lane, meaning those approaching from behind.
The purpose of this system is to prevent a collision that might occur if a driver equipped with such a system decides to change lanes. Despite the clarity of the signal, it doesn't mean that the driver will certainly not make the manoeuvre, so seeing such a light in another car's mirror is also a warning: this driver doesn't see you.
It's important to pay attention to turn signals, which are placed on mirrors in many cars and can be confused with BLIS system lights, especially from behind. These lights are exceptionally similar to those in car mirrors like the Seat Leon. If a driver turns on the left turn signal while driving next to you, they probably don't see you or are waiting for you to let them pass.
