Ford will introduce two new safety features in 2009, the Blind Spot Mirror and the Cross Traffic Alert with Blind Spot Monitoring. That's a mouthful, but the concepts are pretty straightforward:
Blind Spot Mirrors
Blind spot side view mirrors have a convex spotter that's aimed at the vehicle's blind spot. The new mirrors will be standard equipment on cars and truck.
Traffic Monitoring
When you're in reverse, the traffic alert system uses radar to scan 65 feet from your right and left to warn you of traffic entering your path.
If traffic is headed your way, an indicator light goes on and an audible alert goes off.
The system can also help you motivate out of angled parking, because it doesn't just look at things coming from a 90-degree angle.
When you're moving forward, the system warns you when a vehicle enters your blind spot by turning on a light on either the driver side or passenger side mirror - whichever side the vehicle is approaching from.
System Schematic on Page 2
Consumer Acceptance
Ford held a series of drive clinics to see how consumers liked the mirrors. About 76-percent said it was a useful tool that took little time to become accustomed to. I'm anxious to see how well it works for myself.
Also see:
Ford Truck Backup Camera
Click on the link if you'd like to see a larger image of this schematic. It illustrates the areas monitored by Ford's traffic alert system.
A look at Ford's passenger side Blind Spot Mirror.