Blind spots are the cause of many accidents; both minor dings and major crashes. Checking your blind spots before you merge lanes, overtake or turn, should be a standard driving technique - but even so accidents still happen.
How you set up your mirrors could be the one thing that saves you the stress and trauma of an accident.
Here are some tips for setting your rear vision mirrors to eliminate blind spots:
Start by adjusting the centre mirror to suit your height and seat position. When sitting in the driver’s seat, as you would to drive, glance up at the mirror. What can you see? The most effective position for the centre mirror will allow you to see the whole back window, or at least 80% of it. This ensures you can see what is going on behind you at all times with very little movement. At night, to avoid glare from other car lights, tilt the centre mirror down using the switch on the mirror.
Rear vision side mirrors are very important for all aspects of driving. From when you are out on the open roads to when you are reversing out of the driveway at home. They help you see what is going on behind and beside the car. Your rear vision mirrors should show you the best possible view without having to turn your head too much. You should extend the mirrors out so you get a wide view but have them slightly tilted so that you can still see the tail of your car. These mirrors should be set so that you can use them by just moving your eyes. If you have to strain or move too much to use them then they need to be reset.
Checking your blind spots before you change lanes, turn or pull out of a park or driveway is essential. Failing to do this may result in accidents and/or serious injury to others. Using your rear vision mirrors as guidance will get you 80% of the way but before you proceed check your blind spot by quickly looking over your shoulder. There are spots even the most perfectly placed mirrors can’t see. A car, bike or person in this spot can make a difference to your decision making.
Generally there should be very little blind spots around your car but there are some and it is important to be aware of them so you can compensate and adjust your driving, taking them into account.
Low objects are often hard to capture in your mirrors so beware of children or low riding vehicles like scooters.