In daily driving, safety is a top priority for every driver and passenger. However, one factor that is often overlooked is the blind spot—areas around the vehicle that are not visible to the driver through the mirrors. These blind spots are one of the leading causes of road accidents, especially during maneuvers such as lane changes or turns.
Fortunately, with advances in automotive technology, Hyundai has introduced innovative solutions through its Blind Spot Detection system, designed to reduce the risk of accidents caused by blind spots.
What Is a Blind Spot and Why Is It Dangerous?
A blind spot is an area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see, even when using the side and rearview mirrors. These spots are typically located on the left and right sides of the vehicle, particularly toward the rear. Even though mirrors help provide a clear view, vehicles in the blind spot can remain undetected, increasing the risk of collisions.
Statistics show that over 800,000 accidents worldwide occur due to lane-change errors involving undetected vehicles in blind spots. This highlights the importance of addressing blind spots to improve road safety.
Recognizing Blind Spot Areas in Different Vehicle Types
Blind spots vary in size depending on the type of vehicle. Passenger cars such as sedans, SUVs, and MPVs have different blind spot areas based on their design and size. Larger vehicles like SUVs and MPVs tend to have broader blind spots on the sides, while smaller cars like sedans have more limited blind spots.
Heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses have even larger blind spot areas, sometimes extending several meters around the vehicle—front, rear, and sides. This is why drivers of large vehicles need to be extra cautious and constantly aware of their surroundings.
Another factor influencing blind spot size is the driver’s seating position. Sitting too high or low can affect visibility, making proper seat adjustment and mirror alignment crucial to minimizing blind spots.
Hyundai's Blind Spot Detection Technology
To tackle blind spot dangers, Hyundai has developed advanced technology known as Blind Spot Detection. This system alerts drivers when vehicles are detected in their blind spots, thereby reducing the risk of collisions.
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW): Uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in blind spot zones. When a vehicle is detected, the system provides a visual alert on the mirror or dashboard, allowing the driver to take caution before maneuvering.
- Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA): A more advanced feature that not only issues warnings but also actively intervenes by controlling steering or applying brakes if the driver doesn’t respond in time. This adds an extra layer of protection during maneuvers like parallel parking or when other vehicles change lanes behind you.
- Parking Distance Warning & Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): Radar sensors monitor areas behind and beside the vehicle. RCCA automatically applies emergency braking if another vehicle is detected while reversing, and Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCAA) warns of obstacles behind the car.
- Blind View Monitor (BVM): Displays a live video feed on the dashboard or mirrors when a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, giving drivers a visual confirmation before changing lanes or turning.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) Feature: RCCA in Hyundai vehicles is designed to enhance safety when you're reversing, especially when backing out of parking spaces with limited visibility. Its main function is to monitor the area behind the vehicle from both the left and right sides. The system uses radar sensors mounted at the rear of the vehicle to detect approaching traffic. When RCCA detects a potential risk of collision with a vehicle crossing behind while you're reversing, it will automatically alert the driver with audible and visual warnings.
Hyundai Vehicles Equipped with Hyundai SmartSense Safety Features
Which Hyundai cars in Indonesia are equipped with blind spot detection or Hyundai SmartSense safety features?
Blind Spot Detection, along with features such as Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA) and Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), are advanced safety technologies available in several Hyundai models in Indonesia. These features are designed to help drivers detect vehicles located in their "blind spots"—areas not visible through conventional mirrors, dashboard monitors, or rear sensors. Below are some Hyundai models in Indonesia that come equipped with Hyundai SmartSense:
The All-New KONA Electric
The All-New Hyundai KONA Electric is an electric SUV offering an exciting combination of futuristic design, eco-friendly performance, and advanced technology. This vehicle is equipped with the Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM).
The main function of BVM is to eliminate the driver's blind spots, which are often a cause of road accidents. When the driver activates the turn signal, the BVM displays a live image from cameras mounted on the vehicle's sides on the instrument cluster screen. This allows the driver to clearly see traffic conditions in areas not visible through conventional mirrors.
The benefit is a reduced risk of collisions with vehicles in blind spots, providing a greater sense of safety and confidence while driving.
The New CRETA
The New Hyundai CRETA offers a range of advantages that make it an appealing option in the compact SUV segment. Overall, it combines stylish design, advanced features, and solid performance. A standout feature is its Hyundai SmartSense safety suite, which offers added protection for both driver and passengers.
One key safety feature in the New CRETA is Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA). This system detects vehicles in the driver's blind spot—areas not visible with regular mirrors. When a vehicle is detected in the blind spot, the BCA system issues visual and audio warnings.
If the driver ignores the warnings and proceeds to change lanes, the system can intervene by activating automatic braking to prevent a potential collision.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is an innovative electric vehicle with futuristic design and advanced technology. It is equipped with Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA).
BCA helps drivers avoid collisions with vehicles in their blind spots using radar sensors located at the rear of the vehicle. If a vehicle is detected in the blind spot while the driver attempts a lane change, the system will provide visual and audio warnings.
If the driver fails to respond, the system can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. This feature enhances driving safety, particularly on highways or busy roads where lane changes are frequent.
STARGAZER & STARGAZER X
Both STARGAZER models come equipped with advanced comfort and connectivity features, along with a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies. The Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA - from parallel parking) in the STARGAZER and STARGAZER X offers extra protection while maneuvering in tight parking spaces.
Its main function is to detect vehicles in the driver's blind spot when exiting a parallel parking space. When a potential collision is detected, the system issues visual and audio warnings, and can automatically engage emergency braking to avoid impact. This feature reduces the risk of accidents while parking—often a challenge in crowded urban areas.
Hyundai PALISADE
Like the New CRETA, the Hyundai PALISADE features Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM). This system eliminates the driver’s blind spot when changing lanes. When the turn signal is activated, the BVM displays a live image from side-mounted cameras on the instrument cluster screen.
This enables the driver to clearly view traffic in areas not visible through standard mirrors. The benefit is reduced risk of side collisions and greater confidence while driving.
The All-New Hyundai SANTA FE
The All-New Hyundai SANTA FE is a premium SUV with bold, futuristic design, and is equipped with advanced technologies to ensure a safe and comfortable driving experience. It boasts a spacious and flexible cabin, powerful engine performance, and a comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense safety suite.
One of the notable features is Parking Distance Warning (PDW), which alerts the driver to the distance between the vehicle and nearby objects while parking. This feature helps drivers park more safely and easily in tight or crowded spaces, reducing the risk of bumps or damage.
The New Hyundai TUCSON
Specifically, the Blind-spot Collision-avoidance Assist (BCA) feature in the New TUCSON is designed to enhance driving safety by reducing the risk of collisions due to vehicles in blind spots.
The BCA system monitors the blind spot areas on both sides of the vehicle and issues warnings if another vehicle is detected while the driver attempts a lane change.
If the driver does not respond, the system can automatically apply the brakes to prevent or reduce the impact of a collision. The benefit is increased driving safety and confidence, especially on highways or congested roads.
Hyundai STARIA
The Hyundai STARIA is a premium MPV with futuristic design and an exceptionally spacious cabin, making it ideal for large families or business needs. Its Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) significantly enhances driving safety, especially when maneuvering in crowded areas.
When the turn signal is activated, the BVM displays a live camera feed from the vehicle’s side on the instrument cluster screen, allowing the driver to clearly see traffic in areas not covered by standard mirrors. The benefit is reduced risk of collisions from vehicles in the blind spot, providing peace of mind during lane changes.
How to Use and Maximize Blind Spot Detection Features
Even with advanced tech, drivers should know how to use it effectively:
- Adjust Warning Sensitivity: Each Hyundai model allows you to configure how sensitive the warnings are. Set them based on your driving habits for optimal performance without unnecessary alerts.
- Understand Warning Indicators: Know what each visual alert on the mirror or dashboard means and stay attentive to them, especially when turning or changing lanes.
- Respond to Alerts Properly: Always double-check with a shoulder glance even after receiving a blind spot warning. Technology is a supplement—not a replacement—for awareness.
- Combine with Other Safety Features: Use Blind Spot Detection alongside Lane Keeping Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and more for comprehensive protection.
- Maintain the System: Regularly clean the radar sensors and have them inspected by Hyundai technicians to ensure accurate readings and reliability.
Tips to Minimize Blind Spots Without Advanced Tech
If your vehicle lacks smart features, there are still ways to stay safe:
- Proper Mirror Adjustment: Ensure your side mirrors cover not just the car's sides but also the adjacent lanes to give better visibility.
- Install Blind Spot Mirrors: Small convex mirrors that attach to your side mirrors to give a wider field of view.
- Always Shoulder Check: ANever rely solely on mirrors. Always turn your head briefly to check your blind spots before changing lanes.
- Maintain Safe Distance: Leave ample space between your car and others to give yourself more time to react to sudden changes.
- Stay Alert: Be extra vigilant, especially in high-traffic areas or fast lanes where vehicles may approach quickly from the sides.
Blind spots pose a major challenge to road safety, but Hyundai SmartSense provides powerful tools to tackle this risk. Features like Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Blind View Monitor, and Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist not only alert drivers but actively help avoid accidents. By combining these technologies with smart driving practices, you can enjoy safer journeys and peace of mind behind the wheel.
