The Euro NCAP Advanced Reward for advanced safety technology goes to Opel. Car makers that make available new safety technologies, which demonstrate a scientifically proven safety benefit for consumers and society, are eligible for this award. The engineers in Rüsselsheim developed the Side Blind Spot Alert to warn drivers from hidden dangers. When changing lanes, overtaking or turning a corner, other road users can disappear in the blind spot. It is an accident hazard as old as driving. Ten percent of all serious accidents and five percent of traffic-related fatalities are the result of such accidents within the EU.
“The Euro NCAP award is confirmation of our strategy to optimize the safety of our cars based on real-life traffic and collision scenarios. Internal studies show just how much the Side Blind Spot Alert increases overall safety. A high market penetration of the system throughout Europe could help reduce all accidents with minor and severe injuries by around one percent,” said Günther Schmall, Director Vehicle Safety Integration.
The electronic eye SBSA already safeguards ADAM, Corsa, Astra, Cascada and Zafira Tourer by scanning lateral traffic via four ultrasonic sensors. Radar technology is used in the Insignia. It scans wide areas around the vehicle. If the electronic guardians pick up an object on collision course, an amber-colored optical warning appears in the relevant exterior door mirror. The light intensity of the LEDs is high and the warning cannot be missed even if the sun is shining. Side Blind Spot Alert works in speeds ranging from 10 km/h to 140 km/h (from 10 km/h to 200 km/h in the Insignia) and is available as an option for all of the mentioned models. That also includes the new Opel Corsa.
In a recent survey, Opel Insignia owners were asked about the Side Blind Spot Alert and 97.2 percent never switched the system off, 87 percent expressed that they were completely convinced by the functionality and 82 percent insisted that they would definitely order the electronic guardian again when buying a new car. For the Insignia, Side Blind Spot Alert is available as part of a package including rear view camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Change Alert change assist.
