Mercedes-Benz adds radar-based blind spot assist
One of the most common accidents that occurs when merging is when one vehicle -- the one that's changing lanes -- hits another vehicle slightly behind it and to its side because the driver of the first vehicle couldn't see the second one in his mirror. To prevent this from happening, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new safety feature called Blind Spot Assist, which it plans to debut on its S-class and CL-Class models.
Similar to a system already developed by Volvo, the new safety feature employs six short-range radar sensors located in the front and rear bumpers that monitor the zone to the side and rear of the car on both the left and the right. If another car is driving alongside in the blind sport area, the system will display a red warning symbol in the associated side mirror. If the driver ignores the warning and then turns on their indicator, the red warning symbol with start to flash and emit a warning sound inside the car.
While we're sure such systems will prevent accidents, they could lead to a generation of drivers that are largely unaware of vehicles around them and who rely solely on such gadgets to keep them out of trouble.
[Source: Mercedes Benz]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
FThorn 9:48AM (9/28/2007)
I hope that does not set off my Valentine One(s)
Reply
Drewboy 10:23AM (9/28/2007)
I hope it doesn't set off my Escort Passport 8500.
Rick 11:37AM (9/28/2007)
Half of the people that switch lanes without looking over their shoulders to confirm the blind spot is clear DON'T USE THEIR BLINKERS. So if this system is dependant on using the blinker it will widely go ineffective. Those same poeple rely on their rear view mirror, not their side mirror, so they will not see the red light warning. Nice idea, but it's isn't there yet and I kind of agree that this might handicap future drivers when they should just look over their damn shoulder.
Reply
_Jon 9:53AM (9/28/2007)
Ugh, the proverbial "technology will make people dependent upon technology" snide.
Please, you've got a great blog. Don't do that.
Reply
Snark 9:58AM (9/28/2007)
Why is this even necessary? Set your mirrors up correctly and check over your shoulder before you change lanes. That's like the third thing they teach you in driver training. What the hell use is this? Do people really need help with this simple concept?
Reply
Papi L-Gee 2:33PM (9/28/2007)
Apparently, some of them do.
Except for all of us who know how to drive correctly.
Guenther 10:04AM (9/28/2007)
"...couldn't see the second one in his mirror..."
Shouldn't that read "...could care less about who or what might be in the next lane..."
Recently we got sideswiped by a 'nice lady' in a Liberty. She put the passenger side mirror down the length of the box of a fullsize Crew-cab truck. She said "must have been in her blind-spot. Apparently the blind spot extends much farther forward than commonly assumed.
Reply
Mike 10:13AM (9/28/2007)
This has been available for years in Jaguars. The stereo speakers would tick like a clock on the side of the car where the blind-spot affected vehicle was.
Reply
rem83 10:18AM (9/28/2007)
...and that's why before changing lanes you check your mirror and then look over your shoulder to check your blindspot. You should also use a turn signal for at least 3 or 4 seconds before changing lanes so anyone around you is aware of your intentions. I'm amazed how often people on the Houston area roads do not do any of these things. On average I have someone try to merge into me about twice a month. Hopefully this technology can compensate somewhat for poor driver behavior, even though I believe it shouldn't have to.
Reply
Raghu 10:19AM (9/28/2007)
I guess it will work if people use their indicators to signal a lane change. Kids seem to think it "uncool", and others don't because they think someone will mess with them if they do indicate where they are going.
I think driver testing in the US needs to completely revamped first of all.
Reply
omar 10:39AM (9/28/2007)
Once agian mercedes has produced another feature for its cars. Sadly Volvo came out with it first and patent the name and the feature already. Most mercedes fans would say no but you have to give it to the one who did it first, and of course i expect to hear that mercedes technology is better ( even though it doesnt work long).
Volvo. For Life
Reply
Lisa Beamer 2:56PM (9/28/2007)
Volvos are just rebadged fords these days.
If you want to talk about sheer number of safety innovations, that title goes to GM with ease. (Not that I like their cars or would buy one (other than that vette)).
And idea without implementation is useless. Enjoy your Taurus.
nezromatron 11:12AM (9/28/2007)
"they could lead to a generation of drivers that are largely unaware of vehicles around them"
Too late..
Reply
DesiAuto 11:36AM (9/28/2007)
If you are really worried about "generation of drivers ... rely solely on such gadgets ", it's time for you to check your definitions of concepts such as "progress" and "development".
Reply
Riceboy 11:34AM (9/28/2007)
Why don't they just tilt the side mirrors when the sensors detect a car. Wouldn't that solve all issues? Talk about doing 99% of the work and then failing.
Reply
Bessette 11:55AM (9/28/2007)
Wow, that would be so annoying in Atlanta traffic.
When you need to get from one side of the interstate to another and there is traffic, you put on your blinker and force the other cars out of the way. I do this all the time and I would shoot that device
Reply
SPG 2:06PM (9/28/2007)
After reading the Road & Track article about the new Volvo S80 with this technology earlier in the year I am left thinking about their conclusion.
This system is annoying.
I've never used it and when I'm driving home after a draining day this might help me.
However, I can't say as I'd really want this for myself.
Reply
FD 2:08PM (9/28/2007)
No blind spot convex mirrors, people. No electronics. Just plain and simple a mirror that costs just fractionally more to make.
And I agree, most people do not use turn signals to change lanes. If you do use them, other drivers feel obliged that they have to 'close the gap' on you.
I agree. Driver attitude, training and testing needs to change in the US. Let's get it up to German level and we'll enjoy safer interstate highways that we can travel faster on :)
Reply
Logik 6:38PM (9/28/2007)
I wonder if they have ever heard the engineering term: KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). Convex mirrors and a two-section driver side mirror is all your need. Still, looking over your shoulder, is something that should be wired into your brain.
Fuzzy 4:25PM (9/28/2007)
I'm not a big fan of these kinds of systems. I drive an old Chevy Caprice, and though some people complain about how small the mirrors are, I find that they're very effective in removing the blind spots around the car when they're set up right. My girlfriend drives a Dodge Durango with these huge mirrors on either side, and I'm more worried about driving over a little kid or another car because the mirrors are so big I can't see what's in front of me!
Reply