What year did blind spot detection come out?
The earliest production blind-spot detection systems appeared in the early 2000s, with Volvo among the first to offer BLIS around 2001. Since then, the technology has evolved and become common in modern vehicles.
What is blind-spot detection and when did it first appear?
Blind-spot detection (BSD), also known as blind-spot monitoring (BSM), uses sensors—radio radar or cameras—to monitor the lanes beside your vehicle. If another vehicle enters your blind spot, the system warns you so you can avoid a risky lane change. The technology was introduced in production cars in the early 2000s, with Volvo often cited as an early pioneer through its Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) around 2001, followed by broader adoption in the mid-to-late 2000s and beyond.
Origins and early adopters
The first production implementations emerged in the early 2000s, representing a shift from research concepts to consumer safety features. Volvo’s BLIS is frequently highlighted as one of the first widely publicized BSD systems, and other automakers soon followed with their own versions.
- Circa 2001: Volvo introduces BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) on select models, one of the first production blind-spot technologies.
- Mid-2000s: Additional brands begin offering BSD as optional equipment or early packages, expanding availability.
- 2010s: BSD becomes common across many model lines, with some systems standard or highly integrated into other safety features.
These milestones illustrate the gradual move from a rarity on high-end models to a near-ubiquitous safety feature in modern vehicles.
How it works and the current state
Most BSD systems rely on radar sensors placed near the rear corners of the vehicle, and some use cameras or a combination of sensors. When a vehicle enters the driver’s blind spot, the system typically alerts the driver with a light on the side mirror, a dashboard indicator, or an audible warning. In some configurations, cross-traffic alerts augment the blind-spot warning, helping during backing out of a parking space or driveway.
What to know about today’s BSD technology
Today’s BSD offerings vary by make and model. Some vehicles advertise BSD as a standalone feature, while others integrate it with a broader suite of driver-assistance features such as lane-keeping assist, cross-traffic alert, and autonomous braking systems. The core benefit remains the same: reducing the risk of lane-change crashes by increasing driver awareness in adjacent lanes.
Impact on safety and market adoption
The adoption of blind-spot detection has had a meaningful impact on road safety. By providing timely alerts, BSD helps drivers make safer lane changes and reduces collision risk with vehicles in adjacent lanes. While not a substitute for vigilant driving, BSD has become a standard part of modern safety portfolios and a key factor in consumer choices when purchasing a vehicle.
Summary
Blind-spot detection began appearing in production cars in the early 2000s, with Volvo among the earliest adopters around 2001. Over the next decade, more manufacturers rolled out BSD as an option or standard feature, and by the 2010s it had become a common safety technology across many vehicle segments. Today, BSD is widely integrated with other ADAS features, contributing to safer lane changes and improved road manners for drivers worldwide.
