What Does “BSM” Mean on a Car?
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There are so many letters that come attached to modern cars. If you’ve recently shopped for a vehicle, you may have noticed BSM in the descriptor of specific models. It’s only three letters, but many don’t know what BSM means. What does BSM mean on a car?
What does BSM mean on a car? In this piece, we’ll dive into the meaning behind BSM and how it impacts a vehicle. We’ll discuss how it works and whether these three letters make your driving experience safer. Let’s get started!
What Does BSM Mean on a Car?
What does BSM mean on a car? These three letters stand for blind-spot monitoring. It’s an overarching term about the camera systems that watch over the areas the average person cannot see while driving. Typically, this covers the areas adjacent to and behind the car.
Blind-spot monitoring is an advanced safety system that works to cover areas the driver can’t see so there’s time to react in case something appears in this area. Some manufacturers have different names for vehicles - GM calls it Side Blind Zone Alert, Mercedes-Benz calls it Active Blind Spot Assist, and Volvo calls it a Blind Spot Information System.
We’ve answered the main question - what does BSM mean on a car? But, how does this system work? Let’s talk about it.
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How Does BSM Work?
We’ve answered the big question - what does BSM mean on a car? Now, you might wonder how blind-spot monitoring even works in a vehicle system to keep the occupants safe. Let’s talk about it.
According to mycardoeswhat.org, most blind-spot monitoring systems use radars to analyze the road on either side of the vehicle. There are sensors designed to detect oncoming cars or other obstacles. There’s a detection window of about ten feet to limit dangers coming close to you as much as possible.
If something gets close, your vehicle will alert you. From that point, its safety system - or you - will react and move out of harm’s way.
The blind-spot monitoring system requires lots of teamwork. It’s an intricate process that leaves the driver feeling much safer on the road at the end of the day.
Does BSM Make Driving Safer?
We’ve talked about how blind-spot monitoring works, but does it make driving safer? Is it accurate enough to make the road a better place for varying drivers?
According to kbb.com, about 10% of road crashes are because of lane-changing. This kind of crash is when a vehicle changes lanes, but another car or object is in its blind spot. The lane-changing vehicle then runs into this obstacle, and crash results.
Blind-spot monitoring changes that. With a warning that something is in the way, the driver has enough time to react to the item in the lane. Blind-spot monitoring works hard to prevent crashes, and most would say that it makes driving much safer for the average person on the road.
Are There Any Downsides to BSM?
So, we know that BSM makes driving safer. But are there any downsides to this system? Understanding both the good and the bad is vital to anticipate a feature. We know it can save lives, but are there any detriments? There are a few that are critical to go over for new drivers.
Let’s talk about it. A few of the most significant downsides to blind-spot monitoring include the following:
- They have a hard time spotting smaller obstacles, like people on bikes
- They struggle to detect high-speed vehicles that rush past the monitors
- The noise can scare some into unexpected motion, which can endanger them on the road
- False alarms can happen, which can cause stress and potential swerving as a reaction
These downsides are undoubtedly tricky to manage, but they’re not impossible.
Overall, the good outweighs the bad with blind-spot monitoring. It’s a critical step in keeping drivers safe on the road. A few faulty errors are better than crashing building up, thanks to a lack of visibility in the blind-spot area.
Although many cars come equipped with blind-spot monitoring, you don’t have to equip it if it makes you uncomfortable. However, it’s a trusty tool that can keep you out of dangerous situations on the road. Humans are imperfect, and this addition gives our eyes more ways to see.
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Should You Get a Car with BSM?
After everything we’ve talked about, should you invest in a car with BSM? Or should you go with something a little less complicated to avoid the downsides that might come with BSM? There are lots to consider if you’re looking at a vehicle with BSM as an option for drivers.
At the end of the day, blind-spot monitoring is more beneficial than detrimental. You should get a vehicle with BSM because:
- It can keep you safer on the road than a vehicle without BSM
- It can give you peace of mind as you move to your location
- It can battle the unpredictability of driving, monitoring the dangerous acts of other drivers
A car with BSM will serve you well in the long run, preventing accidents you never saw coming.
Of course, the choice is ultimately yours. If you see BSM on a vehicle, don’t stray away. It could be an incredible benefit to your life, particularly if you have a family or drive more than one person in your vehicle.
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In Closing
So, what does BSM mean on a car? BSM means safety in a new way. It is a vision that humans don’t have while they drive. Blind-spot monitoring is an innovation that has helped improve safety on the road. It’s the first step in creating a car that works to keep the driver safe.
We hope this information was helpful! Although you don’t have to get a vehicle with BSM, it’s an excellent feature to obtain a sense of peace on the road. There’s lots of danger on the road. Stay safe with the help of blind-spot monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you install a blind spot monitoring system by yourself?
A: Like many car features and systems, there’s also an aftermarket kit for adding a blind spot monitoring system to your vehicle. However, you must remember that installing this safety system is a rather involved process. Plus, some of the BSM kits in the market leave a lot to be desired. Your best bet is to get a vehicle with a safety suite that includes BSM.
Q: Is blind spot monitoring a reliable safety feature?
A: Yes, it’s reliable. It’s not foolproof, but in tandem with driver alertness and outboard mirrors, BSM gets the job done most of the time. According to a study by the IIHS, collision avoidance systems (which include BSM) have helped decrease single-vehicle, sideswipe, and head-on crashes by 11%. Advancements in technology have added polish to many modern safety and driver assistance features, including blind spot monitoring.
Q: Is lane departure warning the same as BSM?
A: No, they’re different features and purposes. The lane departure warning feature uses a camera to look ahead and detect if you’re drifting out of the lane. BSM uses side cameras and sensors to look back and alert you if there are cars in your blind spot.
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