Seeing Past a Vehicle's Blind Spot

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates nearly 830,000
vehicles will be damaged or destroyed this year because of blind-spot-related accidents.
But an innovation in automobiles is allowing drivers to automatically detect what is in
their blind spot. The new blind-spot detection system has radar sensors mounted behind the
rear tires and behind the side exterior. A computer distinguishes whether there is another
vehicle or other objects, such as street signs or trees, in the blind spot. If the computer
senses another vehicle, an alert light will appear in the mirror as well as on the monitor.
Auto experts believe the blind-spot system is just the beginning of accident-prevention
technology, as the use of radar and optical sensors is expected to increase over the next
several years. The new technology should make driving safer for everyone on the road.