Moving from LaneWatch to Blind-Spot Information System

[benonemusic]

Hi, I've been driving a 10th-generation Civic since 2016. I'm a big fan of the Honda Sensing suite. I'm one of the folks who has really liked the LaneWatch system. I have found the camera and the red and yellow reference lines to be extremely helpful, especially on the highway at night.

I'm planning to buy a 2025 CIvic Hybrid later this year, and admit I am worried about driving without LaneWatch. I understand that the blind-spot information system is a better solution as it works for both lanes (and I've liked similar systems I've tried in non-Honda rental cars). But for my day-to-day driving, I remain concerned about cars on the right lane especially during adverse conditions, such as when there are rain droplets on the right-hand side mirror at night or when cars in the right lane are moving very fast.

I understand there are aftermarket systems that perform functions like the LaneWatch. While I welcome recommendations on any systems from those who use them, I sense that the better/wiser thing to do is to simply start practicing using the right-side mirror more and prepare for a car without LaneWatch.

I welcome all tips, reassurances, etc. and things I can do to prepare and practice .

Thanks!

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[Chilly613]

I used to have a 10th Gen Civic with LaneWatch prior to trading it in for an 11th Gen Civic with the BSI system. As much as I liked LaneWatch, I was too reliant on it. Should always be looking over your shoulder and checking your mirrors in tandem with LaneWatch.

Had the 11th Gen coming up on 2 years now, haven't had an issue without LaneWatch since. I use my mirrors and the BSI system to make sure its clear and shoulder check as I change lanes or merge to make sure its visibly clear.

 

[J_D]

Moved from a 2020 Type R to a 2024. BSI is superior

 

[benonemusic]

As much as I liked LaneWatch, I was too reliant on it.

That’s exactly the case with me. And now that I think about it, I’ve been fine with rentals that haven’t had it. It forces me to use the mirrors and look over my shoulder more. Thanks for your tips and advice.

 

[latole]

I have the 2025 Civic. I like the BSI and I always use my mirror.

BSI is a security in case you did not see with mirror, or forget to look . It not there to replace the mirror and the driver.

 

[benonemusic]

Thanks. Today I practiced focusing exclusively on the mirrors and looking over my shoulder to switch lanes. It was fine. Thanks to all for the tips and reassurance.

 

[Nothing]

I drove with lane watch several times and found it to be hard to adjust to - and the distorted end of mirror on the accord made it hard to understand relative position on the road. If you can adjust to lane watch I'm sure you can adjust fine to BSI.


The following is what I do with most cars:
Adjust your mirrors outwards so you can see the lane next to you, not behind you - I do not want to see the side of my car at all. When adjusting I do start where I can see the door handle, then move it out 3-4 seconds of adjust so it only sees my blind spot. Sitting in the neutral driving position, there should be continuity between your forward side window view, side mirror and rear view mirror, such that looking over your shoulder is redundant (this is a really small car with still ok visibility).

When I parallel park or park in a lot and need to see the line, I move hy head and body to see the side of the car - but that is at very low speed. At moving speed the rear mirror should be your first check, followed by side mirror and your front passenger window. Then glance over your shoulder with your signal on before moving. Minimal time away from looking forward and complete awareness of cars around you is the goal.

Since you should already be checking mirrors regularly when driving straight for situational awareness, the BSI is a very redundant check because people miss things, but it is both an early indicator that someone is next to you or in your blind spot, or recently moved into it (coming from two lanes out into your RR quarter, really the worst move next to moving into your LR quarter). Lanewatch only activating upon signal relies on last minute checks or long signaling, which confuses others - and in some places causes more aggression from others.

Good luck! Rain at night is hard in any event so drive slower and take your time. I used to use rainx on all windows before I got ceramic coating, and it was better than wipers - of which you don't even get on side windows . RainX on mirrors was worse for me, so I didn't do those.

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