- September 10, 2024
- Tucker Law
- Car Accident Lawsuits
Blind spot monitoring (BSM) systems are a great safety feature in cars to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and warn that a vehicle is approaching so it would be hazardous to change lanes. BSMs are helpful since it is easy to miss a vehicle in a car’s blind spot — the space just off the rear quarter areas of the vehicle — especially if the driver has problems turning their neck fully or their car’s outside mirrors are not properly set.
While BSMs are helpful in preventing accidents, it is important for drivers not to rely on them completely, as they can malfunction without warning or can be affected by interference from other devices or outside conditions. In addition, some systems have limitations and may only function at certain speeds or when the car’s turn signal is activated, and some systems fail to recognize pedestrians, cyclists, and pets.
Whether or not the car is equipped with a BSM, every driver is required to stay vigilant, be aware of their surroundings, and make necessary adjustments to minimize blind spots in order to prevent accidents on the road. If another motorist fails to take such precautions, and you were injured in a resulting crash, it can help to contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer who can investigate your case, determine fault, and fight for your rights and fair compensation for your losses.
How Blind Spot Monitors Work
BSM systems work by using radar or ultrasonic sensors embedded in each side of the vehicle’s rear bumper or side-mounted cameras that detect a vehicle approaching the rear of your car in an adjoining lane. These sensors and cameras monitor the areas on either side of the vehicle that are difficult to see when looking in the mirrors or turning your head.
The BSM generally operates once the vehicle reaches a speed of about 20 miles per hour. When a vehicle approaches or enters the blind spot on either side of the car, the BSM system detects it and warns the driver. This warning is usually a visual alert, such as an illuminated icon or flashing light in the side mirror. There may also be an audible alert, such as a beep or chime. Some systems also create feedback such as vibrations in the steering wheel or seat. Newer sophisticated systems may provide a video image of the side of the vehicle that shows the adjacent lane and any objects in the blind spot.
Do Blind Spot Systems Prevent Car Crashes
BSM systems are very effective in preventing crashes. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, cars with blind spot monitoring systems are 23% less likely to get into injury-causing crashes. In addition, research estimates that if all vehicles were equipped with blind spot monitors, about 50,000 crashes and almost 16,000 injuries could have been prevented.
However, drivers should not become completely reliant on the systems, because they may not always be 100% effective.
What are the Problems With Blind Spot Monitors?
While they do increase driving safety, BSM systems are not perfect and can have issues and cause problems for drivers. Here are some of the main problems:
- Technical problems – If sensors fail, become dirty, damaged or obstructed, or there are other technical problems, the monitors can turn off or fail to detect another vehicle, and do so without warning. Some systems are affected by signals from other electronic devices, such as cell phones and radios, or signals from other vehicles.
- Speed limitations – Some systems fail to detect vehicles when the vehicle is moving at low speeds (below 20 mph). They may also fail to detect passing vehicles going significantly faster than the vehicle or speeding small motorcycles.
- Weather issues — Driving in bad weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog, or on dirty, muddy roads can cause obstruction of sensors, and this may result in false or no alerts.
- Poor alert design – Some visual warning signals may be small or poorly located, making them hard to see, especially in bright light conditions, and some audible alerts work only when the turn signal is activated.
The main problem with BSM systems occurs when drivers become totally reliant on them and don’t understand they have limitations or don’t ensure that the sensors and camera lenses are kept clean and clear of obstructions so the system functions correctly. If you are counting on the system and fail to physically check blind spots by looking in your mirrors and turning your head as well, you can wind up in a crash.
Liability When the Blind Spot Monitor Doesn’t Work
Blind spot monitors are supposed to be an aid when changing lanes or merging – but drivers are still required to make sure there are no obstacles by checking physically. If a driver fails to do so and a crash occurs, that driver can be held negligent and responsible for the damages that occur.
There are cases when someone other than the driver may be held liable in a BSM crash. Examples include when the blind spot monitor was truly defective and the manufacturer can be held liable, and when a passing vehicle was speeding too fast for the monitor to detect it, in which case the speeding driver may be liable.
If you or someone you love was injured in a blind spot-related crash, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses and damages that resulted. The skilled and experienced attorneys at Tucker Lawyers can help. We can evaluate your case, conduct investigations to determine fault, and gather the necessary documentation to prove the severity of your injuries, the current and future projected costs, and how your injuries impact your life. When you have us on your side, we will calculate all the damages you are entitled to receive, pursue a fair settlement from insurance companies, and we may be able to file a lawsuit and take your case to court on your behalf if necessary.
We have won large settlements and jury awards on behalf of clients who have been injured in car accidents, and we are fully prepared to do the same for you. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case and there is no cost to you unless or until we win.
Call the NYC car accident lawyers at Tucker Lawyers today to get started.
GET HELP NOW (516) 399-2364.
Managing Attorney John. J. Tucker, Esq.
John has personally handled thousands of clients who were victims of another’s negligence and fights relentlessly for their rights. John enjoys bringing closure to a client’s matter so that the injured party can move forward with their life. His background enables him to evaluate complex liability related claims and bring resolution to claims in a record time frame. [ Attorney Bio ]