Honda Blind Spot Monitoring: What To Know
Today, many drivers appreciate and look for assistive driving technologies in their purchase of a new car. These features can help prevent accidents, save time, and make driving a more pleasurable experience. Blind-spot monitoring systems are one of the most popular safety features new drivers look for - and have even come to expect.
If you’re in the market for a new Honda, you might be wondering what you need to know about their safety features. In particular, Honda’s Blind Spot Monitoring technology has changed in recent years and is now available on most new models.
For a quick overview of what to expect from this important safety feature, as well as which vehicle trims come with this helpful technology, keep reading below.
What is Blind Spot Monitoring?
Blind-spot monitoring is a feature available on most new cars today which alerts drivers of oncoming vehicles in the adjacent lanes, typically through the use of sensors on the rear bumper and lights on the vehicle’s side mirrors. Some blind-spot monitoring systems also include the use of a video feed or an audible warning as well.
Blind-spot monitoring was first introduced to the market by Volvo in 2007 and quickly caught on with many different automotive manufacturers. Studies show that this technology has reduced accidents and injuries by as much as 23%.
Honda began rolling out their newest Blind Spot Monitoring feature in 2018 with the Accord model and a few other models. Honda’s Blind Spot Information System uses both an audible and a visual warning to alert drivers of an oncoming vehicle or another obstacle. A sensor light will remain on when there is a driver in the car’s field of vision, and an audible warning will sound if you put your blinker on while a car is being detected.
The predecessor to Honda’s Blind Spot Monitoring, LaneWatch, was first introduced in 2012 and began to be removed from new models in 2019 as the new technology was phased in. LaneWatch used an additional backup camera to live stream a video of the car’s blind spot onto the entertainment system screen on the dash.
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Honda Blind Spot Monitoring Availability
Today, Honda Blind Spot Monitoring, along with Honda’s Lane Keeping Assist System, are now standard on most 2021 models. These driver-assisting technologies are typically offered in conjunction with the Honda Sensing® suite, which provides other important safety features such as the Collision Mitigation Braking System and Road Departure Mitigation.
The Honda Blind Spot Information System is standard on the following models:
- 2021 Honda Ridgeline: RTL, RTL-E, Black Edition
- 2021 Honda Accord: EX-L, Touring, Hybrid EX, Hybrid EX-L, Hybrid Touring
- 2021 Honda Civic: EX, Touring
- 2021 Honda Passport: EX-L, Touring, Elite
- 2021 Honda Odyssey: EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite
- 2021 Honda CR-V Hybrid: EX, EX-L, Touring
- 2021 Honda CR-V: EX, EX-L, Touring
- 2021 Honda Pilot: EX
- 2022 Insight Hybrid: EX, Touring
Pros & Cons of Honda Blind Spot Monitoring
When deciding whether or not to upgrade to a model that offers Honda Blind Spot Monitoring, there are a few pros and cons of the feature to keep in mind:
Pros
Accident Prevention
With a visual and even audible warning tone, Honda’s Blind Spot Monitoring system is designed mainly to prevent accidents, and it really does do the trick. If you start to switch lanes or even put your blinker on with another vehicle in your car’s path, you will be alerted and have time to make a correction before putting yourself and others at risk. It’s no wonder that blind-spot monitoring is becoming increasingly popular in most new cars!
Enables Quicker Lane Changes
We’ve all been there-you’re driving along, singing to your favorite song, and realize you’re about to miss your exit. With driver-assistive technologies like Honda’s Blind Spot Monitoring, the visual indicators can allow you to quickly see if a vehicle is next to you and if you have time to switch lanes.
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Easier for the Driver
Blind-spot monitoring takes some of the work out of driving and makes monitoring the space around you much easier. The sensors are always following all the traffic around you, even when you are not, freeing you up to concentrate on other things like the road ahead of you. It generally just gives drivers one less thing to worry about.
Cons
Could Provide a False Sense of Security
Blind-spot monitoring systems are not meant to be relied upon solely to prevent a crash. The judgment and awareness of a human driver are crucial to staying safe and preventing accidents. As with other driving assistive technologies, their availability can create a false sense of security in some users, especially new drivers. Be sure to always keep your eyes on the road and double-check any input coming in from any assistive technology.
Not Comprehensive Enough
Some drivers actually preferred Honda’s older technology, the LaneWatch camera system, because they liked seeing a full view of what was going on around them. Honda Blind Spot Monitoring can miss some vehicles and does not work in all situations. Drivers are always responsible for confirming their surroundings.
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The Cost
While Honda Blind Spot Monitoring is now standard on many Honda vehicles, you may need to shell out some extra cash for the upgrade to a model that has one. For example, if you were planning on purchasing the 2021 Honda Accord LX, an upgrade to the 2021 Honda Accord EX can cost several thousand dollars more.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in the market for a new Honda sedan or minivan, all drivers can benefit from the use of advanced new safety features such as blind-spot monitoring. Consider the pros and cons as well as the trim availability information when making a purchase decision for your next new car. Happy shopping!
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