In 2009, Ford will offer its new Blind Spot Mirror as standard equipment on trucks and cars. The mirrors have convex insets that are aimed directly at the blind spot on either side of the vehicle. A traffic monitoring alert system will function along with the mirrors, alerting you with lights and/or audible tones when traffic approaches. The system works when you're backing up or moving forward. Anything that easily enhances safety is worth a checking out -- I'll be interested to see how they function.

_{Photo © Ford Motor Co.}