Slate not likely to be a top safety pick by Consumer Reports (due to lack of BSW)

[cadblu]

While I am not a fan of Consumer Reports in general, I know many folks look to them for research before purchasing a new vehicle. According to a recent study, 82% of new car buyers consider Blind Spot Warning (BSW) an important feature to have on their next vehicle. Even though the Slate is marketed with an emphasis on safety, it appears they have deliberately left out BSW technology.

"CR emphasizes that safety should not be a luxury and that consumers want proven safety technologies like BSW in their vehicles. CR calls on automakers to make BSW a standard feature across all trim levels. Doing so would eliminate the additional costs to consumers and ensure that this technology is available to help prevent fatalities and injuries and reduce the economic burdens associated with avoidable crashes."

For this reason, it is highly unlikely that Slate will be rated a "top safety pick" by Consumer Reports.

Full article here:
Autos Fail to Provide Blind Spot Warning as Standard Feature

 

[sodamo]

True, in the past if CR didn’t like a product for any reason, getting good ratings was a challenge.

 

[Adam W]

It's a small single cab pickup. I can't imagine there's much of a blind spot anywhere around this vehicle. Until you add the SUV kit anyway. That said, I DO want everyone else on the road to have blind spot warning because the situational awareness of most drivers is abysmal.

 

[GaRailroader]

3 potential solutions for blind spots.

1. Buy those little round stick on convex mirrors from Autozone that give you visibility of your blind spots.
2. Adjust your mirrors so there is just a small amount of overlap between rear view and side mirrors. Normally we like side view mirrors aimed down the side of the vehicle. If you orient them in this wide fashion you can see vehicles in your rear view mirror, drive in to your side view mirror and as they are exiting the side view mirror it comes in to your view directly out your side window.
3. Look over your shoulder when you change lanes to confirm no one is in your blind spot.

 

[sodamo]

3 potential solutions for blind spots.

1. Buy those little round stick on convex mirrors from Autozone that give you visibility of your blind spots.
2. Adjust your mirrors so there is just a small amount of overlap between rear view and side mirrors. Normally we like side view mirrors aimed down the side of the vehicle. If you orient them in this wide fashion you can see vehicles in your rear view mirror, drive in to your side view mirror and as they are exiting the side view mirror it comes in to your view directly out your side window.
3. Look over your shoulder when you change lanes to confirm no one is in your blind spot.

You mean actually, actively drive?

 

[E90400K]

If you know how to properly adjust the mirrors, there are no blind spots. And if you constantly keep scanning traffic on all sides of the car using all three mirrors, you'll not need blind spot detection.

 

[E90400K]

You mean actually, actively drive?

You and your crazy ideas!

 

[AZFox]

Buy those little round stick on convex mirrors from Autozone that give you visibility of your blind spots.

A convex JDM "Broadway Mirror" from eBay enhances visibility and reduces blind spots effectively.

It looks a little goofy (at first) and won't attach to some phat mirrors, but if it fits on your mirror you'll leave it on and wonder why you didn't get one sooner.

 

[Trace26]

I'm hoping it's at least an option. I'm pretty good at checking before changing lanes but we're all human and make mistakes. Something to warn me before I'm dumb.

 

[Doctors Do Little]

This is a great topic. For years, I added the convex circle mirrors to my side mirrors. Now, alas, I'm completely spoiled by the wonderous technology that yells at me when I attempt to pull into a passing car at 75mph...

I'd probably go the autozone route on this little truck.

 

[Paul Rodgers]

While I am not a fan of Consumer Reports in general, I know many folks look to them for research before purchasing a new vehicle. According to a recent study, 82% of new car buyers consider Blind Spot Warning (BSW) an important feature to have on their next vehicle. Even though the Slate is marketed with an emphasis on safety, it appears they have deliberately left out BSW technology.

"CR emphasizes that safety should not be a luxury and that consumers want proven safety technologies like BSW in their vehicles. CR calls on automakers to make BSW a standard feature across all trim levels. Doing so would eliminate the additional costs to consumers and ensure that this technology is available to help prevent fatalities and injuries and reduce the economic burdens associated with avoidable crashes."

For this reason, it is highly unlikely that Slate will be rated a "top safety pick" by Consumer Reports.

Full article here:
Autos Fail to Provide Blind Spot Warning as Standard Feature

Its odd, my Daughters RAV-4 has these 2-part mirros that pretty well eliminate blind spots, I really like them. My Tacoma does not, (and its newer)

We've had the stick-ons for years.
My first pickup (1984 Mazda B2200) got failed at inspection in NJ for having them.

But mirrors only work if you look.
The whole point of BSW is it yells at you in those cases when you don't look first.

Perhaps it should also record the event, notify your insurance company and automatically up your premium? Remember, big brother IS watching you.

 

[Mightytalldude]

Properly aligned mirrors, in addition to convex mirrors and turn signals are useful when you use them. It's easier to turn your head, look over your shoulder, then signal your intention to change lanes. IMO drivers rely too much on tech vs common sense.

 

[AZFox]

Properly aligned mirrors, in addition to convex mirrors and turn signals are useful when you use them.

Most people's side-view mirrors are adjusted improperly, including mine before I learned the proper way. You shouldn't be able to see the side of your car. I'll let Stan explain it.



Here's the article he refers to:
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15131074/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots/

 

[cadblu]

Those of us who drive during rush hour and deal with aggressive drivers on a daily basis definitely appreciate BSW. What I particularly like is that the rear facing radar judges the speed of the vehicles behind you and generates audible and visual warnings. It's saved me quite a few times and I consider the technology very effective. Yes, I set my mirrors properly to avoid blind spots and no, I don't rely on the warnings exclusively. I always look before changing lanes.

These days, driving on congested highways and city streets days is very demanding; we can all use the extra assistance.

 

[sodamo]

Properly aligned mirrors, in addition to convex mirrors and turn signals are useful when you use them. It's easier to turn your head, look over your shoulder, then signal your intention to change lanes. IMO drivers rely too much on tech vs common sense.

I have a concern that in 20 years young people that learn to drive relying on all this tech won’t have a clue how to react when it fails.