Ignorance is BLIS

I don't know about you, but I find red lights distracting, even if I only see them out of the corner of my eye. That's not a bad thing, nor is it a complaint. The reaction needs to be immediate, even instinctive, and this succeeds because we're trained from a very young age to associate red with danger.

That's why I find our Volvo XC70's Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) so annoying. For those of you who haven't used it, BLIS senses when a vehicle in the next lane is approaching or in the area you can't see in your side mirrors. It works on either side of the car, and a red warning light comes on near the mirror on the appropriate side to let you know you've got company.

All well and good, but the way I look at it, the fact that there's a car in the lane next to me does not necessarily constitute danger. In fact, where I live and commute, there's almost always a car in my blind spot, and most don't stay there long. Many of my fellow commuters prefer to travel at either double or half my speed, and some seem to like to alternate between the two. The result is my own little commuting light show, with lights blinking on and off on either side of the car all the way home. Now that's distraction.

Fortunately, there is a button to turn BLIS off. But when you do, a warning message lights up on the dash to tell you that it's off. Thanks, Volvo. I knew that. You see, I turned it off.

Thankfully, you can turn the warning off by simply pressing yet another button on the end of the directional signal stalk. No big deal. Just be prepared to repeat this ritual every time you start the car if you prefer to be BLIS-less.

I can put up with BLIS, and I suppose I can even see some value in it. After all, blind spots are getting worse and studies show that blind spot detection and lane departure warnings show promise. I'm sure my fellow commuters, busy with their cell phones, newspapers, and eyeliner can see value in it, too. After all, who has time to pay attention to driving?  But seriously, that raises another concern. If today's distracted driver is meant to rely on a system like BLIS, it'd damn well better work. All the time. The other night while driving home in the rain, the Volvo gave me another warning message saying its function might be diminished, something Volvo says can happen in bad weather. Never mind that a pile of leaves along the side of the road can set off the light show.

All righty, then. I'm back to turning it off. Call me old fashioned, but I'd rather use the mirrors and/or a quick glance over the shoulder to know when it's safe to change lanes. The rest of the time, I can motor along without the light show, diminished function or no.

Now that's commuting bliss.

—Jim Travers

Learn about automotive safety.

Comments

[David]

Looks like a lot of auto engines got nothing better to do than come up with needless gadgets. They should spend more of their time on:

1) reducing cost
2) reducing weight
3) increasing visibility, finding better driving positions
4) finding better materials that are stronger, lighter, less bulky
5) making cars ride and handle better

[John]

I'm waiting for Volvo's next safety device before buying. It's called HAND. They're going to install a very life-like human hand where the gear shifter normally is. When the car senses the driver is nervous or losing confidence, the hand makes a come-hither gesture. The driver simply clasps the hand in a "it's a deal" gesture and holds it for as long as his confidence is flagging. The HAND system promises to restore driver confidence, reduce anxiety, and provide a generally warm and comforting feeling to the operator.

After that, they are working on APLPI. These unique safety system picks up where HAND left off. It will periodicaly fill the cabin with the delicious scent of fresh-baked apple pie.

[PJ McCombs]

I can't help but wonder how much less it would have cost Volvo to simply include a flyer with every new XC70 demonstrating how to properly adjust and use one's exterior mirrors. It's amazing how many Americans think they're meant to be aimed at the rear fenders ("Where'd they go?! Oh, phew! They're still following me").

[Anne B]

BLIS, along with the optional back-up camera, are the only reasons I can drive after 3 years of being unable to safely drive due to neck fusions. While I know many people still drive even if they can no longer turn their necks to check their blind spots, I never wanted to be that kind of selfish unsafe driver. Volvo's BLIS has given me my freedom back. Obviously, I do not trust it to take the place of safe driving, and I no longer drive on freeways, but I can at least get to the grocery store again. So don't make too much fun of "useless" gadgets. One driver's "useless" is another's "essential."

[trudy]

You UNGRATEFUL bums must not be over 55. Because if you were you wouldn't mind a system that CYA when backing up or having persons driving on your side very close and in your Blind Spot. Personally I like the fact that Volvo is using some of this technology for us "older" drivers who seem to be the ones who can afford Volvo products in the first place!

When you get older, turning ones head 180 degrees to look behind you may become a problem. Even looking 100 degrees to the side may hurt. Thanks Volvo for looking out for the many 'older' drivers real sense of reality when driving. The youngsters are too busy texting or talking on the phone to know; that you do offer options for driving that benefit us senior citizens.