By Paul Goldfinger, Editor @Blogfinger

Click on link below regarding blind spot detectors.

https://mycardoeswhat.org/safety-features/blind-spot-monitor/

The blind spot detector is a valuable safety feature that promotes peace of mind for the driver. But it sometimes fails to detect cars in the blind spot, so always verify by using your mirrors. It not only detects cars in the blind spot, but it also tells you if you can safely change lanes, but again, always verify.

There is another potential danger with the BSM. I find that I depend on the monitor when I drive our 2013 car. It gives you cautious optimism, but what if you have a second car without the BSM. The risk is that your mindset thinks that your second car also has a BSM. So you go to change lanes, check your rear view mirror and see no BSM light; and then you go ahead only to collide with a passing vehicle.

So, when dealing with auto safety technology, keep you mind on the situation. Be aware as to which of your cars you are driving.

The second warning has to do with something that we posted last year. It has to do with keyless ignitions:

“Many new cars have keyless ignition fobs.  Unless the car is engineered with a warning mechanism, it is possible to walk away, carrying  your fob, while the engine continues to run. If you pull into a garage, there can be deaths or injury due to carbon monoxide poisoning.”

Some cars do give a warning, but that warning may be easily ignored. For example my car gives three quick beeps to say that the ignition (and the engine) is still on. It’s easy to walk away from that. So you might go shopping or see a movie and then return to find that your car’s engine is still running.