This question is not necessarily LC500 specific but I think it will be interesting to see the responses from car enthusiasts such as us.

Regarding the side view mirrors and the BSM, do you check the actual mirror when checking adjacent lanes or do you merely look for the presence/absence of the lit LED in the mirror?

 

I always always always do a visual check of the adjacent lane. I would never trust electronics to make my decisions for me, especially in a life-or-death situation.

I use the BSM as a first line of information. If the side-view light is on, I don't change lanes. If it isn't on, I do a visual check.

 

I always check the mirror for an actual vehicle before moving over, sometimes multiple times because you never know if someone else is coming from a lane further over at the same time as you (ie changing into/between middle lanes - BSM would not pick this up until it's too late). If I want to change lanes and I glance at the mirror and the light is lit up, I abandon the thought entirely for that moment and also check for the obstacle it detected.

Hard to describe it but generally I see both at the same time. In other words I guess I rely on the light for when it indicates obstacle presence, but always double check if it is not indicating.

There are a LOT of people who complain Toyota vehicles with BSM do not audibly indicate when BSM is active. A lot of manufacturers do. I posit that anyone who relies on the audible alert is entirely doing lane changes incorrectly. You are meant to find your opening before you initiate your signal to begin your lane change. You are not meant to camp out with your indicator on and then look for your opening. The audio alerts only occur when you start your indicator and the light is lit up, which is the same condition under when ours will rapid flash.

 

I do the same. I have my mirrors adjusted so that they entirely eliminate the blind spots (I seldom check the blind spots by turning my head) and have not relied too much on the BSM but got to wondering if there are those who approach it differently.

 

Physically looking, too many times some speedster was zooming up or someone was making a crazy lane change.

Would be interesting if they come out with Digital side mirrors like the Rear mirror. While a higher cost, I like the Digital Rear at night.

 

Honda used to put this in their Odyssey and other models, indicator would initiate the video feed but it would show on the center dash display; believe it was called LaneWatch or something similar. I think recently Kia had a model where a digital camera view would appear in the gauge cluster when activating the turn signal. the new Hyundai Ioniqs have digital side mirrors entirely, with screens positioned inside the cabin at the corners where you'd typically look for the mirror.

 

That is some interesting Technology, while some may find it distracting, I would be interested in it.

 

My coworker Kia Caravan has that feature where the camera shows up in the instrument cluster when he puts on the blinker. Pretty cool but I’m not sure for how long.

It took me a long time to not physically look back when reversing with the backup camera. I only got used to it after years of having it. With the lane switching, I would NEVER trust any kind of audible or blinking indicator. Always look at the mirrors for real things.

 

As far as I am aware this kind of thing is only available outside of the US, not legal here yet per FMVSS/NHTSA

 

Maybe what they could do to help with focusing and keeping Eyes forward is extend the HUD further across the windshield. Just making it a larger display left/right to include the mirrors. That would probably help with HUD navigation also. The focusing issue (especially those with transition lens) would probably reduce reaction times.

But I'd also like to see Electrochromic windows instead of having to tint; https://www.gentex.com/

 

The electrochromic windows would be nice. However, I think I still prefer the tint film to somewhat hold the shattered pieces of glass together during an accident so that you don’t have pieces of glass in your mouth.
But that electrochromic tech would be a nice next step.

 

I keep forgetting I have a HUD
It's still a new feature to me in both of my cars. My brain and eyes can't seem to remember to look there.

 

Completely understand about the glass issue. My only major accident I was involved with; I was in a Company issued Camry and was T-boned by a Explorer who ran the red light. I woke up spitting out what I initially thought were my teeth, luckily it was only the side window glass (did have side airbags also). Walked out of the Hospital the same day, Rescue guys couldn't believe it. Car was totaled but saved my a@@@!

 

I turn mine off at the moment. I find it a distraction and somehow my eyes are more glued to the HUD reading than the road.
I also forgot that I have one. LMAO.

 

It's the opposite for me. I have it on 100% of the time but whenever I need to check my speed or see what gear I'm in, I always default to looking at the cluster instead of the HUD that's right in front of me. Force of habit or the HUD is not noticeable enough for me (especially if wearing polarized sunglasses), I don't know which it is yet LOL. Maybe I need to tape a cover over the cluster for a couple of weeks to train myself into using the HUD