Mercedes-Benz adds radar-based blind spot assist
Posted Sep 28th 2007 9:34AM by Siddharth Raja
Filed under: Gadgets, Safety, Daimler, Mercedes-Benz
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]
PRESS RELEASE
Mercedes-Benz now offers a newly developed Blind Spot Assist system as an option for its S and CL-Class models, which is designed to help drivers when changing lanes.
Mercedes-Benz employs six short-range radar sensors for the new assistance system, which can be found in the front and rear bumpers. The sensors monitor the zone to the side and rear of the car on both the left and the right. In so doing, they cover the area known as the "blind spot" which drivers are unable to see in the exterior mirrors.
If the system detects another vehicle in the danger zone, a red warning symbol appears in the exterior mirror glass. This symbol informs the driver that it may be dangerous to change lanes. Should the driver ignore this warning and switch on the indicators, the red symbol in the mirror will start to flash and an audible warning will also sound.
Blind Spot Assist is offered for the S and CL-Class in conjunction with other radar-based assistance systems, such as DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, Brake Assist PLUS, the PRE-SAFE® brake and Parking Guidance. In Germany, this package is priced at between €2594.20 and €3391.50 (ex factory, incl. VAT).
Tags: blind spot, blind spot assist, BlindSpot, BlindSpotAssist
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
FThorn @ Sep 28th 2007 9:48AM
I hope that does not set off my Valentine One(s)
Drewboy @ Sep 28th 2007 10:23AM
I hope it doesn't set off my Escort Passport 8500.
_Jon @ Sep 28th 2007 9:53AM
Ugh, the proverbial "technology will make people dependent upon technology" snide.
Please, you've got a great blog. Don't do that.
Snark @ Sep 28th 2007 9:58AM
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?
Papi L-Gee @ Sep 28th 2007 2:33PM
Apparently, some of them do.
Except for all of us who know how to drive correctly.
Guenther @ Sep 28th 2007 10:04AM
"...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.
Mike @ Sep 28th 2007 10:13AM
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.
rem83 @ Sep 28th 2007 10:18AM
...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.
Raghu @ Sep 28th 2007 10:19AM
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.
omar @ Sep 28th 2007 10:39AM
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
Lisa Beamer @ Sep 28th 2007 2:56PM
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 @ Sep 28th 2007 11:12AM
"they could lead to a generation of drivers that are largely unaware of vehicles around them"
Too late..
Riceboy @ Sep 28th 2007 11:34AM
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.
DesiAuto @ Sep 28th 2007 11:36AM
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".
Rick @ Sep 28th 2007 11:37AM
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.
Bessette @ Sep 28th 2007 11:55AM
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
SPG @ Sep 28th 2007 2:06PM
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.
FD @ Sep 28th 2007 2:08PM
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 :)
Logik @ Sep 28th 2007 6:38PM
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.
Don @ Sep 28th 2007 4:18PM
I wonder if MB owners can spot electrical gremlins down the road?