Fords with Blind Spot Monitor Near Katy, TX

 

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Ford Vehicles with Blind-Spot Monitoring

Keeping you safe on the road is a priority that Ford takes seriously. With that, Ford offers a variety of vehicles with many helpful features that make driving safer and more enjoyable. From adaptive cruise control to front windshield cameras with Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist functionality, plus blind spot monitoring systems in the rear, Ford implements cutting-edge advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology into all of their vehicles.

What Does Blind-Spot Monitoring Do?

What exactly does a blind spot monitoring (BSM) system do? It acts like another set of eyes in the back of your head or on the outside of your vehicle. Using radar sensors in or under the rear taillights (and/or ultrasonic sensors in the rear bumper), blind spot monitoring works by detecting obstructions or other vehicles to the rear and side of the vehicle, and provides an audible and/or visual warning to the driver. 

This sophisticated safety technology system detects objects, such as other vehicles, that are still within the potential travel path when changing lanes, and it warns the driver not to move over just yet. In addition, blind spot monitoring systems frequently have a Rear Cross Traffic Alert system incorporated, which can provide a similar warning when backing out of a parking space or driveway. A visual indicator is usually presented in one or both side mirrors, the rearview mirror, in the heads-up display, or on the backup camera display of the vehicle to let you know which direction the traffic is coming from.

Does Ford Have Blind-Spot Monitoring?

Most automakers today have some form of blind spot warning system available as a standard safety feature on most of their models, and Ford is no exception. Ford's system is called BLIS® which stands for Blind Spot Information System. BLIS® uses radar sensors that monitor the rear and sides of the vehicle to detect other vehicles and alerts the driver with a warning light in the side-view mirrors if there is something there. Cross-Traffic Alert availability is also available, but not standard on all models with BLIS®.

Which Ford Cars Have Blind-Spot Monitoring?

Blind Spot Information System with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is a standard feature on all new Ford vehicles. It is part of the Co-Pilot360â„¢ technology suite, a set of features to assist drivers with staying safe on the road. For more information on using the features, consult an owner's manual for further details.

Cars

SUVs & Crossovers

  • 2023 Ford Bronco Sport: a rugged and outdoor ready SUV that's ready for adventure
  • 2023 Ford Bronco: a modernized revival of the heritage Bronco nameplate
  • 2023 Ford Edge: a mid-size SUV packed full of convenience and technology features
  • 2023 Ford Escape: a compact SUV that balances efficiency and spaciousness
  • 2023 Ford Explorer: a mid-size SUV packed with safety features and up to three rows of seating
  • 2024 Ford Expedition: a full-size SUV with a spacious three rows of seating

Trucks & Vans

  • 2023 Ford Maverick: one of the newest additions to the Ford truck lineup in a compact pickup body
  • 2023 Ford Ranger: a capable, but more compact midsize pickup
  • 2023 Ford F-150: a mid-size, fully capable truck, known as America's best-selling pickup
  • 2023 Ford Super Duty including the F250 and F350: heavy duty trucks made to get the job done
  • 2023 Ford Transit Connect: a smaller footprint van that's as efficient as it is convenient
  • 2023 Ford Transit: a full-size van, configurable for cargo or passengers

Electric

What Is the Difference Between Blind-Spot Monitoring and Blind Spot Assist?

Blind-spot monitoring systems assist the driver with things they can't see, but only provide visual and/or audible warnings of vehicles or traffic in the blind spot areas. Blind spot assist systems work in combination not only with the radar sensors to the rear and side of the vehicle, but also with the vehicle's other advanced driver assistance systems like the front windshield camera or front radar system. This system can provide some steering assist to keep you centered in the lane if it detects you moving too close to the centerline, but also if there happens to be a vehicle in your blind spot that you don't see. 

The primary difference is the steering assist functionality, where the vehicle will try to keep itself centered by applying slight steering control to keep you in your lane and not into the path of traffic approaching from behind. In vehicles equipped with Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Assist, the assist can come in the form of automatic emergency braking where the vehicle will apply the brakes if it detects traffic approaching from either side that you may not be aware of.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Blind-Spot Monitoring?

With technology ever-changing and improving, blind-spot monitoring systems continue to get more accurate at detecting things other than cars and trucks, but there are still limitations to the system. While no safety system is a replacement for safe driving skills, visual and audible warnings can often mitigate some accidents that may have otherwise been unavoidable. 

By giving you effectively another set of eyes to the rear and sides of your vehicle, a blind-spot monitoring system can provide information to you as the driver about vehicles in adjacent lanes that you otherwise would not have. Many automakers are also including this system as standard equipment on most models, rather than adding extra cost and making it an optional system.

The current limitations of these systems include less-than-optimal detection of motorcycles and minimal detection capability of pedestrians, cyclists, and animals. This technology continues to improve and refinements are being made to increase reliable detection of everything behind your vehicle. Most blind-spot monitoring systems also have a minimum speed before activating to minimize false positive/incorrect detection warnings during city driving, usually somewhere between 20 and 35 miles per hour.

Is Blind-Spot Monitoring Worth It?

When it comes down to it, one of the most important questions when it comes to a blind spot detection system is, is it worth it? Is blind-spot monitoring something you really need in your vehicle? The short answer is absolutely yes. An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) study found that lane-change-related collision accidents dropped 14% with vehicles equipped with blind spot monitoring technology vs. those not equipped. For effectively no extra cost to you as the consumer, getting a vehicle with a safety system that can see things that you physically can't while you're driving seems like a very smart decision for you and your family.

Find a Ford with Blind-Spot Monitoring Near Katy, TX

If you're looking for a new Ford, AutoNation Ford Katy can help. The dealership is easily accessible from Interstate 10 Frontage Road E. Our convenient location is near plenty of shopping and restaurants, including Texas Roadhouse, Olive Garden, and Outback Steakhouse. 

Our team of automotive professionals will help you select your next ride to meet your needs from our large inventory of new cars and quality pre-owned Ford vehicles. Come in today for a test drive.


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