Normally I don’t give a crap about blind spot monitoring. But last night, I was in the middle lane going like 70. The person in front of me was going like 60. There was NO ONE else on the road. So I checked all around behind me, saw nothing, and went into the left lane. Just as I was about to, the blind spot detection kicked off. Some motherfucker was going down the left lane in a black car with no headlights on. I got in behind him and flashed my high beams at him. He moved over and kept driving with no headlights. Idiot!!
Personally I believe the blind spot monitors show their true potential during heavy traffic, when trying to merge into a highway and then cross a lane or two quickly. It can be very stressful to look behind you constantly to check your blind spot. And in the worst case scenario, you can end up so preoccupied checking your blind spot that you end up rear ending someone that suddenly stopped or budged in front of you (because keeping your distance from the car ahead of you means they can barge in). With the monitors, a quick glance at the glowing indication on the mirror is all you need. If it’s on, you can’t switch lanes and you can continue paying attention in front of you. If it’s off, confirm with your own eyes and switch lanes. Easy. Probably one of the most useful assistance tools on my car, along with the rear cross traffic alert to warn me when a car is ignoring my very bright reverse lights and try’s to squeeze through despite me… backing out.