Darryl is a seasoned mechanical engineer with a deep-seated interest in automobiles and driving. His professional journey includes designing and testing a multitude of car safety mechanisms, such as blind spot monitors and collision alerts. Renowned as an authority in the realm of automotive safety, Darryl takes pleasure in imparting his expertise to others.
Driving on highways can be a daunting task due to the high speeds and the need for constant vigilance to avoid collisions. As such, highway driving safety devices such as blind spot monitors and rear cross traffic alerts are essential. These systems significantly improve your driving safety by providing a second pair of eyes that never blink.
Blind spot monitors are sensors installed on the sides of your vehicle that alert you when a car enters your blind spot. On the other hand, rear cross traffic alerts warn you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking spot or driveway. Both systems are crucial for improving highway driving safety.
Peeking into Your Blind Spots: Which Monitors are Best for Highway Driving?
There are two main types of blind spot monitors: active and passive.
- Active Blind Spot Monitors: These use radar sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spot and alert you through visual or auditory signals. Some advanced versions can even steer your vehicle away if you attempt to change lanes when a car is in your blind spot. For more information on how active blind spot monitors work, you can check out our article here.
- Passive Blind Spot Monitors: These are essentially wide-angle mirrors that increase your field of vision. They don't provide alerts but can help you see vehicles in your blind spot if you check your mirrors regularly. If you want to know the difference between blind spot monitors and blind spot mirrors, you can read our article here.
Choosing the best blind spot monitor depends on your preferences and budget. Active monitors offer more safety features but are also more expensive. To understand the importance of blind spot monitors in cars, you can take our interactive quiz here.
Rear Cross Traffic Alerts: Your Extra Eyes on the Highway
Just like blind spot monitors, rear cross traffic alerts also come in active and passive versions.
- Active Rear Cross Traffic Alerts: These use radar sensors to detect vehicles approaching from the sides when your vehicle is in reverse. They alert you through visual, auditory, or tactile signals.
- Passive Rear Cross Traffic Alerts: These are wide-angle cameras installed at the back of your vehicle. They provide a wide view of the area behind your vehicle but don't provide alerts.
Again, the choice between active and passive rear cross traffic alerts depends on your preferences and budget.
Now, let's take a closer look at how these systems function in a real-world scenario. The following video provides a demonstration of how both blind spot monitors and rear cross traffic alerts operate in a vehicle.
As you can see from the video, these systems can provide valuable assistance in maintaining safety on the highways. However, it's important to remember that these systems are designed to assist the driver, not replace careful driving.
With the right blind spot monitors and rear cross traffic alerts, you can significantly improve your highway driving safety. However, it's important to remember that these systems are not substitutes for careful driving and regular mirror checks.
To help you make an informed decision, we've prepared a checklist. Follow these steps to choose the right blind spot monitors and rear cross traffic alerts for your vehicle:
Once you've gone through this checklist, you'll be well-prepared to make a purchase that suits your needs and enhances your safety on the highway.
Before you purchase a blind spot monitor or rear cross traffic alert, use our checklist to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.
Top-Rated Highway Safety Gear: Blind Spot Monitors and Rear Cross Traffic Alerts
Finally, even with the best blind spot monitors and rear cross traffic alerts, always remember the golden rule of driving: Stay alert and stay safe.