New Review. Fusion Hy vs Accord Hy

[acdii]

BLIS is the one reason I went to Ford in the first place when I was looking to get out of Toyotas cheap cars. No one else had it in the mid car non luxury department. When I got my first Flex, firt thing I said it needed was BLIS. I could do without the BU camera, but BLIS is a life, and neck saver.

[rwhgme]

We have not taken delivery of our car yet, but I chose not to get BLIS. I adjust my side mirrors differently than others, I guess. I was taught to, with power mirrors, put my head against the driver's window, and adjust the mirror to "just" be able to see the left rear fender. Then when you sit back straight, adjust the height to your comfort. In doing this, you cover your blind spot. On the passenger side, I adjust to see the right rear fender, and move it out a bit further. I guess I am not ready for that nanny yet.

[murphy]

You are correct. When the mirror is adjusted correctly a car passing on the left appears first in the rearview mirror. Then it appears in the side view mirror while still visible in the rear view mirror. Then it appears in your peripheral vision while still visible in the side view mirror.

 

If the side of the car is visible in the sideview mirror while in driving position, the mirror is not adjusted properly.

[acdii]

I use it as a visual aid in addition to having properly adjusted mirrors. In the split second it takes to make a decision whether to hit the brakes or move left or right, catching that little light in the peripheral is enough to help make that decision. Time yourself one day, see how long it takes to move your eyes from in front and focus on either mirror, then think about how long it takes to register what is in that image. Now think about having that light come on in your peripheral, and being able to process instantly that there is a car there, without having to take your eyes off the road and refocus on the mirror.

 

Using it as a tool like this is key and not depending on it as a crutch. A glance to see that light is on tells you there is a car there, long before you can actually focus on the actual car. It also acts as an aid when passing. When it goes off you know you are clear of the car you are passing, which can be helpful when you have to go around someone quickly with oncoming traffic.

 

Relying on it though for making lane changes without actually using your mirrors is not the way to use it.