The benefits of blind spot detectors

Do you own an older car? Let’s face it, not everyone can afford the latest models with all their fancy gizmos, can they? Did you know that blind spot detectors are just one of a number of ‘new technology’ add-ons you can have fitted to your car if it is older to improve safety and assist you whilst driving?

These aftermarket products include:

• Reversing cameras
• Parking sensors (front or/and rear)
• Immobilisers
• Dash cameras
• Trackers
• Alarms
• Blind spot detectors

A blind spot detection system can alert you to hazards you may not normally see, or at least not until the last minute.

They can help to ensure the safety of you, your passengers, and your vehicle from potential dangers driving into your blind spots, that you may find difficult to see otherwise.

• If you drive a large vehicle that is a little older so does not have the technological driver assistance products you find with newer vehicles, you know that it can be difficult to see potential hazards all around your vehicle while you are driving. This can be very stressful, especially when you have a number of passengers, so it is a big benefit to be able to see all areas around the vehicle (including those you cannot see in your mirrors normally), and spot potential dangers earlier to give you time to make a decision or react.
• One of the main benefits of a blind spot detection system is accident prevention. If you often drive on motorways or dual carriageways, you will find them especially beneficial when changing lanes at speed. Anything that can help to avoid road accidents at speed is a potential lifesaver.
• They can also increase road safety for other users, for example, cyclists or pedestrians who may be in your blind spot while you are stationary. When you start to go forwards, you will be able to see other road users that you would not normally be able to spot using your mirrors alone. It is important to note at this point that the priority for UK road users changed in January 2022, with the revised edition of the Highway Code listing the following hierarchy in an effort to protect the safety of more vulnerable road users as follows:

1. Pedestrians
2. Cyclists
3. Horse riders
4. Motorcyclists
5. Cars and taxis
6. Vans and minibuses
7. HGVs

This change has had an impact on the right of way for all road users, who can be anywhere on the road, including your blind spot. If you weren’t aware of the new rules and how they could affect you when driving, the RAC published a summary of the major changes.

• They can give you more time to react to a situation because you will be able to see potential hazards faster than when they seem to suddenly appear out of nowhere, for example a vehicle passing you in either the left or the right-hand lane on a motorway. This gives you more time to take the appropriate action to avoid a collision.
• A blind spot detection system improves your overall awareness whilst driving simply because you have a more complete picture of what is happening in the area surrounding your vehicle.
• Your movement may be impaired either by a temporary or permanent condition, so you find it difficult to look around over your right or left shoulder when turning, overtaking or changing lanes, especially at speed.

At AJT Installs, our expert technicians have successfully installed the aftermarket Steelmate SBS-1 blind spot detection system in many vehicles that were not sold with these technological driver aids provided as standard. If you would like to talk to us about the benefits of installing this system on your vehicle, why not contact us today to find out more?