[trogdor007]

Originally Posted by Quentin

That is not how my blind spot monitoring in our Rav4 works at all. Mine has little symbols on the mirror that lights up when someone enters your blind spot area. So, you still have to check your mirrors before you change lanes else you don't see the little light. Now, if you put your signal on and the sensor detects something is in your blind spot, the light will flash and there will be an audible beep. The driver still has to watch their mirrors and pay attention with Toyota's BSM. It is just an extra level of protection... a double check. My BSM also operates as cross traffic alert when backing out. That is fantastic for the unfortunate situation of being parked between two SUVs or trucks that dwarf our Rav. I'd rather rely on sensors than relying on someone driving down the street to see me when I have no choice but to back out somewhat blind.

As far as your speed+100mph scenario, that is so far out of the performance envelope that it is a moot point. Are you going to pick someone up at that speed (150 to 170mph) by doing a shoulder check? Nope, because his closing speed is so ridiculous that he could be completely out of your field of view when you look and beside you when you turn your head forward and finally make the lane change. And, again, you should always check your mirrors before a lane change.

Sidenote: the Lane Keep Assist on our Rav also forces you to use your turn signal when changing lanes else it thinks that you are drifting out of your lane. Yes, it forces you to signal on a lane change. We usually leave it off because it really isn't necessary most of the time, but if I'm driving back from a concert or something late at night, I'll turn it on just as an extra level of protection. I'd love if everyone else used LKA because so many people don't signal before lane changes.

Overall, every advancement in technology is for convenience or comfort (e.g. Laziness). Starters instead of hand cranking, automatic transmissions, power steering, power seats, cruise control, auto climate control, etc, etc, etc. If the internet existed in the 30s, people would have been complaining about starters adding to the cost of cars when a hand crank worked just fine. For my personal cars, the family car will have the latest and greatest. If it saves me from making a single error while driving and avoiding an accident with my wife and kid in the car, it was worth the money. My FR-S, which will mostly just have me in it, is a little more budget conscious and is more likely to be wrecked by me acting like an idiot than someone sneaking in my blind spot. I will definitely miss the backup camera for backing into parking spots. That is a nice little feature to make sure you don't back into/onto a parking bollard.

Well said. I think we often overlook how helpful these advances can be simply because they clash with ideals of low cost/weight/tech. As you stated, they can be very important in family vehicles, especially with other people's safety in your hands. I'd certainly like to think I'm the best driver I know, but the fact is is that I have spaced out on occasion while driving. It's not my proudest moment, but it's easy to get caught up when focusing on something while driving (watching your speed, exit signs, etc.) and I think some of the new safety tech can really help avoid those situations. It's ultimately our responsibility as drivers to ensure the safety of our passengers and our fellow motorists, but that doesn't mean we should dismiss safety tech to avoid unforeseeable circumstances.