BLIS - Really?

[Ransman]

I can remember the salesman when I bought my first Zafira pointing out the dual angle wing mirror and telling me you wouldn't have to look over your shoulder again! I think he was somewhat surprised at my response.

[844PHW]

Originally Posted by Mrjon

I have BLIS and continue to turn my head as I've always done to check before changing lanes.
Where I've been really impressed by BLIS is the increased spacial awareness it gives you of vehicles around you.For example you're aware of a vehicle behind moving closer in the out side lane but then as it gets nearer it disappears from your mirrors the BLIS light comes on shortly after reminding you and confirming they're still there.
I also find it useful coming off roandabouts one dual carriageways where I accelerate hard, its nice to know if the car in the left lane is trying to keep pace with me or is slipping behind , without having to glance across.

I would be content with better side mirrors rather than BLIS which only supplies a warning. With decent mirrors you can actually see what is there. (I am reminded of my rare forays into driving a hire van - excellent mirrors).

[GreaseNipple]

Excellent piece of kit for situational awareness and an absolute bonus when driving in Europe on the RH side of the road.

[155mph]

Originally Posted by wimorrison

This thread brings to mind a discussion I had recently where we wondered if the proliferation of gadgets and devices in cars are actually detracting from the skills and ability of the drivers rather than enhancing them.

Comments?

Well, it depends on the car you first learnt to drive in.

I first snuck out in my dad's old '78 Cortina.

No amount of technology is going to change the way I drive now.

[darbs]

Originally Posted by 155mph

I first snuck out in my dad's old '78 Cortina

the first car i drove when i was about 15, was my dad's '81 2.0l gl gold cortina estate... really heavy steering! he let me drive it around a private car park.

[The Hooded Claw]

I am SAD to admit the first car I ever drove was a ........... Hillman Imp Californian .. I even remember its reg .... SDU 194F

YEP ..i'm just an old SOD!!!


keith

[Superbenj]

I've got it and think its excellent, whilst I still turn my head to double check before changing lanes, having bliss allows you to not have to do that, if it informs you a car is there.

It also just gives you a greater feeling for exactly what is about you at all times.

As its described, its a driving aid, not a yes/no tool, will change lanes now tool.

I will deffo ensure all future cars I have are fitted with the system

[scw]

BLIS doesn't always work, as I found out while driving with four bikes on the roof. Depending on the time of day / direction of travel, the shadow cast by the bikes on the road was enough to trigger the BLIS light. On the straighter bits of French autoroute, the light was on for minutes at a time!

But it was definitely a useful additional aid for driving on the wrong side of the road.

[Mrjon]

I just like the way it enhances spacial awareness without having to divert your eyes to the side mirrors, the light is picked up in your peripheral vision, though still obviously checking side mirrors for lane changes or mischief.
Incidentally here's a top tip advanced driving technique, you know how we all stare into our rear view mirrors for a couple of seconds to build up a picture of whats behind, well try this next time you're driving. Just flick your eyes up to the mirror for a fraction of a second then back to the road ahead. You'll find that what you saw in your rear view mirror is stored as an image in your short term visual memory that you can analyse in your head while still looking forwards, it works a treat.
With regard to comfort, yes it easy to get detached without disciplining yourself to remain observant. The plus side is though I've never thus far been fatigued by driving the XC60 its ergonomics are so good. Many years ago I used to do the same 3 hour motorway drive to work in a Rover maestro and was absolutely knackered by the time I got there.

[apersson850]

The main "problem" with BLIS, if that now should be considered a problem, is that it gives quite a lot of false alerts when it is, or has been, raining outside.

Now I'm sure that's not a problem in dry UK , but in Sweden it is.