The 2009 Chrysler Town & Country Touring and Limited and Dodge Grand Caravan SXT are now available with Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path accident-avoidance systems (2008 models shown).
Extra Sensory Perception? Part Two
Chrysler LLC has added two more segment first safety features to their minivans.
In the July/August issue of Mopar Magazine we discussed Chrysler’s Electronic Stability Program. Continuing our discussion on vehicle safety systems, Chrysler is adding Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) and Rear Cross Path (RCP) accident-avoidance systems to the 2009 Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans.
As on-board electronic and computer technologies continue to march forward at a mind-bending pace, safety and convenience features are evolving that were unimaginable just a decade ago.
Remember when anti-lock brakes were a luxury? It wasn’t that long ago. And now, thanks to advanced technology, we have Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path systems that make driving even safer.
How does it help the driver?
The Blind Spot Monitoring System utilizes two short range radar sensors installed in the rear fascia of the vehicle. The system notifies the driver of the undetected vehicle in their blind spots using illuminated icons in the outside mirrors and with an audible chime if the driver selects to turn the chime on. The system is active any time the vehicle is moving forward.
The Rear Cross Path Detection System uses the same hardware as the Blind Spot Monitoring System to assist the driver in backing out of parking spaces in parking lot situations. It puts the short range radar sensors in a special long range mode to look for cross traffic vehicles any time the vehicle is in reverse. The driver is notified of vehicles crossing behind their vehicle via the illuminated icons in the outside mirror and with an audible chime.
Both the Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path accident-avoidance systems utilize dual ultra-wideband radar sensors.
