Kia Sportage 2022 Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Driver Attention Warning

Two cutting-edge safety measures that improve driver awareness and road safety are included with the 2022 Kia Sportage. In order to prevent possible collisions during lane changes, Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) uses sensors to identify vehicles in the driver’s blind spots and sends out notifications. In addition, Driver Attention Warning (DAW) encourages attentive driving by tracking the driver’s behavior for indications of distraction or tiredness and sending out timely alerts. These elements, which provide comfort and encourage a safer driving experience in the 2022 Sportage, symbolize Kia’s dedication to putting safety and driver well-being first.

2023 KIA SPORTAGE Specs, Price, Features and Mileage (Brochure)

Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)

System description

BCW uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to monitor and warn the driver of an approaching vehicle in the driver’s blind spot area.

1. Blind-Spot Area
   1. It warns by detecting the vehicles in the blind spots.
   2. The blind spot detection range varies relative to vehicle speed.
   3. Note that if your vehicle is traveling much faster than the vehicles around you, the warning will not occur.
2. Closing at high speed

BCW feature will alert you when a vehicle is approaching in an adjacent lane at a high rate of speed. If the driver activates the turn signal when the system detects an oncoming vehicle, the system sounds an audible alert.

WARNING BCW is a supplemental system to assist you. Do not entirely rely on the system. Always pay attention, while driving, for your safety. Always be aware of road conditions while driving and be alert for unexpected situations even though BCW is operating. BCW is not a substitute for proper and safe driving. Always drive safely and use caution when changing lanes or backing up the vehicle. BCW may not detect every object alongside the vehicle.

System setting and activation

System setting To operate:
Press the Blind-Spot Safety button with the Ignition switch in the ON position. The indicator on the BCW switch will illuminate.

To cancel:
Press the Blind-Spot Safety button again. The indicator on the button will go off. When the system is not used, turn the system off by turning off the button.

NOTICE
If the vehicle is turned off and then on again, BCW returns to the previous state. When the system is turned on, the warning light will illuminate for 3 seconds on the outside rearview mirror.

The system will activate when:

1. BCW is on.
2. The vehicle speed is above about 20 mph (30 km/h).
3. Other vehicles are detected in blind spots.

Warning message

First stage alert
If a vehicle is detected within the boundary of the system, a yellow warning light will illuminate on the outside rearview mirror. If the detected vehicle is not in detection range, the warning will be turned off according to the driving conditions of the vehicle.

Second stage alert
A warning alarm to alert the driver will activate when:

1. A vehicle has been detected in the blind spot area by the radar system (the warning light will illuminate on the outside rearview mirror (i.e., in the first stage alert) AND
2. The turn signal is on to change a lane (same side as where the vehicle is being detected)

When the second stage alert is activated, the warning light on the outside rearview mirror will also blink. If you turn off the turn signal switch, the second stage alert (the warning chime and the blinking warning light on the outside rearview mirror) will be deactivated. If the detected vehicle is not in detection range, the warning will be turned off according to the driving conditions of the vehicle.

CAUTION
The driver should always use extreme caution while operat-ing the vehicle, whether or not the warning light on the outside rearview mirror illuminates or there is a warning alarm. Playing the vehicle audio system at a high volume may offset Blind-Spot Collision Warning warning sounds. The warning of Blind-Spot Collision Warning may not sound while other systems’ warning sounds.

Detecting Sensor

The rear corner radars are the sensors inside the rear bumper for detecting the side/rear areas. Always keep the rear bumper clean for proper operation of the system.

NOTICE
The system may not work properly when the bumper has been damaged, or if the rear bumper has been replaced or repaired. The sensing range differs somewhat according to the width of the road. When the road is narrow, the system may detect other vehicles in the next lane. The system may turn off due to strong electromagnetic waves. Always keep the sensor clean. NEVER arbitrarily disassemble the sensor component nor apply any impact on the sensor component. Be careful not to apply unnecessary force on the radar sensor or sensor cover. If the sensor is forcibly moved out of proper alignment, the system may not operate correctly. In this case, a warning message may not be displayed. Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. Do not apply foreign objects such as a bumper sticker or a bumper guard near the radar sensor or apply paint to the sensor area. Doing so may adversely affect the performance of the sensor.

Warning message Blind-Spot Collision Warning disabled. Radar blocked

• This warning message may appear when :
  • One or both of the sensors on the rear bumper is blocked by dirt or snow or a foreign object.
  • Driving in rural areas where the sensor does not detect another vehicle for an extended period of time.
  • When there is inclement weather such as heavy snow or rain.
• When a trailer or carrier is installed.

If any of these conditions occur, the light on the Blind-Spot Safety button and the system will turn off automatically. Turn off BCW (if equipped) when a trailer or carrier is installed.

• Press the Blind-Spot Safety button (the indicator on the button extinguishes) or “User Settings Driver Assistance Blind-Spot Safety Off”.
  • Deactivate the RCCW system by des-electing “User Settings Driver Assistance Blind-Spot Safety Rear Cross-Traffic Safety”.

If you use BCW, remove a trailer or carrier. When the BCW canceled warning message is displayed in the cluster, check to make sure that the rear bumper is free from any dirt or snow in the areas where the sensor is located. Remove any dirt, snow, or foreign material that could interfere with the radar sensors. After any dirt or debris is removed, BCW should operate normally after about 10 minutes of driving the vehicle. If the system still does not operate normally, have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Check Blind-Spot Collision Warning
If there is a problem with BCW, a warning message will appear and the light on the switch will turn off. The system will turn off automatically. We recommend that you have your vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

Limitations of the system
The driver must be cautious in the below situations, because the system may not detect other vehicles or objects in certain circumstances.

• When a trailer or carrier is installed.
• The vehicle drives in inclement weather such as heavy rain or snow.
• The sensor is polluted with rain, snow, mud, etc.
• The rear bumper where the sensor is located is covered with foreign objects such as a bumper sticker, a bumper guard, a bike rack, etc.
• The rear bumper is damaged, or the sensor is out of the original default position.
• The vehicle height gets lower or higher due to heavy loading in a liftgate, abnormal tire pressure, etc.
• When the temperature of the rear bumper is high.
• Driving on a curve When the sensors are blocked by other vehicles, walls, or parking-lot pillars.
• The vehicle drives on a curved road.
• The vehicle drives through a tollgate.
• The road pavement (or the peripheral ground) abnormally contains metallic components (i.e. possibly due to subway construction).
• There is a fixed object near the vehicle, such as a guardrail.
• While going down or up a steep road where the height of the lane is different.
• Driving on a narrow road where trees or grass or overgrown.
• Driving in rural areas where the sensor does not detect another vehicle or structure for an extended period of time.
• Driving on a wet road.
• Driving on a road where the guardrail or wall is in a double structure.
• A big vehicle is near such as a bus or truck.
• When the other vehicle approaches very close.
• When the other vehicle passes at a very fast speed.
• While changing lanes.
• If the vehicle has started at the same time as the vehicle next to you and has accelerated.
• When the vehicle in the next lane moves two lanes away from you OR when the vehicle two lanes away moves to the next lane from you.
• A motorcycle or bicycle is near.
• A flat trailer is near.
• If there are small objects in the detecting area such as a shopping cart or a baby stroller.
• If there is a low-height vehicle such as a sports car.
• The brake pedal is depressed.
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control) is activated.
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control) malfunctions.
• The tire pressure is low or the tire is damaged.
• The brake is reworked.
• The vehicle abruptly changes its driving direction.
• The vehicle makes sharp lane changes.
• The vehicle sharply stops.
• Temperature is extremely low around the vehicle.
• The vehicle severely vibrates while driving over a bumpy road, uneven/bumpy road, or concrete patch.
• The vehicle drives on a slippery surface due to snow, water puddles, or ice.

• Driving on a curve
  BCW may not operate properly when driving on a curved road. In certain instances, the system may not detect the vehicle in the next lane. Always pay attention to road and driving conditions, while driving.

BCW may not operate properly when driving on a curved road. In certain instances, the system may recognize a vehicle in the same lane. Always pay attention to road and driving conditions, while driving.

• Driving where the road is merging/dividing
  BCW may not operate properly when driving where the road is merging/dividing. In certain instances, the system may not detect the vehicle in the next lane. Always pay attention to road and driving conditions, while driving.

• Driving on a slope
  BCW may not operate properly when driving on a slope. In certain instances, the system may not detect the vehicle in the next lane. Also, in certain instances, the system may wrongly recognize the ground or structures. Always pay attention to road and driving conditions, while driving.
• Driving where the heights of the lanes are different
  BCW may not operate properly when driving where the heights of the lanes are different. In certain instances, the system may not detect the vehicle on a road with different lane heights (underpass joining section, grade-separated intersections, etc.). Always pay attention to road and driving conditions, while driving.[A] : noise barrier, [B]: guardrail
• Driving where there is a structure beside the road
  BCW may not operate properly when driving where there is a structure beside the road.
  In certain instances, the system may wrongly recognize the structures (noise barriers, guardrails, double guardrails, median strips, bollards, street lights, road signs, tunnel walls, etc.) beside the road.
  Always pay attention to road and driving conditions, while driving.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules.
Operation is subject to the following three conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
3. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the device.

Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

Driver Attention Warning (DAW) displays the level of the driver’s fatigue and inattention, considering the driving pattern, etc.

System setting and activation

• To turn ON the Driver Attention Warning system, turn on the engine, and then select ‘User Settings Driver Assistance
• Driver Attention Warning High sensitivity/Normal sensitivity/Off’ on the LCD display.
• The driver can select the Driver Attention Warning system mode.
  • Off: Driver Attention Warning is deactivated.
  • Normal sensitivity: Driver Attention Warning alerts the driver of his/her or inattentive driving practices.
  • High sensitivity: Driver Attention Warning alerts the driver of his/her or inattentive driving practices faster than Normal mode.
• The set-up of Driver Attention Warning will be maintained when the engine is re-started.

Display of the driver’s attention level

• The driver can monitor their driving conditions on the LCD display.
  • Select ‘User Settings Mode’ and then ‘Driver Assistance’ on the LCD display. (For more information, refer to “LCD Display” in chapter 4.)
• The driver’s attention level is displayed on a scale of 1 to 5. The lower the number is, the more inattentive the driver is.
• The number decreases when the driver does not take a break for a certain period of time.
• The number increases when the driver attentively drives for a certain period of time.
• When the driver turns on the system while driving, it displays ‘Last Break time’.

Take a break

• The “Consider taking a break” message appears on the LCD display and a warning sounds to suggest that the driver take a break when the driver’s attention level is below 1. Driver Attention Warning will not suggest a break when the total driving time is shorter than 10 minutes.

CAUTION
While other warning systems such as the seat belt warning sound are in operation and override the DAW alarming system, DAW sounds may not occur.

Resetting the system

• The last break time is set to 00:00 and the driver’s attention level is set to 5 (very attentive) when the driver resets Driver Attention Warning.
• Driver Attention Warning resets in the following situations.
  • The engine is turned OFF.
  • The driver unfastens the seat belt and then opens the driver’s door in stop.
  • The driver takes a break from driving that lasts more than 10 minutes.
• Driver Attention Warning operates again when the driver restarts driving.

System standby

Driver Attention Warning enters the ready status and displays the ‘Standby’ screen in the following situations.

• The camera sensor is unable to detect the lanes.
• Driving speed remains under 40 mph (64 km/h) or over 110 mph (177 km/h).

System malfunction

When the “Check Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system” warning message appears, the system is not working properly. In this case, have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

WARNING
Driver Attention Warning is not a substitute for safe driving practices. It is the responsibility of the driver to always drive cautiously to prevent unexpected and sudden situations from occurring. Pay attention to the road conditions at all times. The driver, who feels fatigued, should take a break, even though there is no break suggestion by the Driver Attention Warning system.

NOTICE
It may suggest a break according to the driver’s driving pattern or habits even if the driver doesn’t feel fatigued.

NOTICE
The Driver Attention Warning (DAW) is quite related to the front camera in the vehicle for better performance. For more information on the front camera, refer to ”Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)”
It may not properly operate with limited alerting in the following situations:

• Not properly recognize lane
• Rough & Intentionally evasive driving
• Intentionally frequent lane cut-in
• Severe winding road and uneven road surface condition
• Windy road
• The vehicle is controlled by other driving assist systems; e.g. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), etc.

CAUTION
Driver Attention Warning may not provide alerts in the following situations:

• The lane detection performance is limited. (For more information, refer to “Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)” in this chapter.)
• The vehicle is erratically driven or is abruptly turned for obstacle avoidance (e.g. construction area, other vehicles, fallen objects, bumpy road).
• The forward drivability of the vehicle is severely undermined (possibly due to wide variation in tire pressures, uneven tire wear-out, and toe-in/toe-out alignment).
• The vehicle drives on a curvy road.
• The vehicle drives on a bumpy road.
• The vehicle drives through a windy area.
• The vehicle is controlled by the following driver assistance systems:
  • Lane Keeping Assist
  • Forward collision-avoidance assist
  • Smart Cruise Control

NOTICE
Driver Attention Warning does not detect actual driver fatigue or drowsiness. The system monitors driving and provides a warning if it detects inattentive driving practices.

FAQ