Where Exactly Is the Blind Spot?
When people talk about the blind spot, they are usually referring to one specific position.
When a car is passing you in the next lane, you will initially be able to see it in both your rear view mirror and your driver’s side mirror. As it approaches your vehicle, you will no longer be able to see it in your rear view mirror but may still be able to see it in your side mirror.
As the car pulls alongside your vehicle, there will be a point where it is no longer visible in your side mirror, but has not yet reached the point where it is in visible field of your peripheral vision. This is your blind spot; without turning your head, you can no longer see the car. As it continues to pass you, you will eventually be able to see it out of the corner of your eye before it moves past you and into your forward view.
This is the most common example of a blind spot, but you may have other blind spots around your vehicle.Door frames and other parts of your vehicle mayalsocause small blind spots.
It’s also important to beaware that you may be in another driver’s blind spot.Be smart when driving and try not to place your vehicle in potential blind spots of other vehicles for very long.If you need to pass the vehicle, do it swiftly and safely.
Use extra precaution when traveling near large vehicles.A semi–truck blind spot will be much largerthan regular-sized cars.,Ffor example,as youthe drivercannot see directly behind the vehicleand may have issues seeing cars in the next lanes..Door frames and other parts of your vehicle may also cause small blind spots.
How to Avoid a Blind Spot
Depending on your vehicle and the position of your mirrors, it may not be possible to completely eliminate blind spots. There are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of an accident, however.
Adjust Your Mirrors
When you slide behind the wheel, ensure that your mirrors are correctly positioned. If you’re driving in a rental car, or someone has adjusted your mirrors, perform the following steps before you start driving.
- Move the rear view mirror until you have the best view directly behind your vehicle. You should make the adjustments with your head in its usual driving position.
- Lean your head across until it’s against your driver’s side window. Adjust the driver’s side mirror until you see the side of your car. When you sit back in a normal position, you should not be able to see any of your car’s bodywork in the mirror. You need to be able to see other cars, not your own.
- Now lean the other way until your head is in the center of the car, in line with the middle of the rear view mirror. Adjust the passenger’s side mirror until you can see the side of your vehicle. When you sit back in your normal position, you should not be able to see any of the car’s bodywork in the mirror.
- Your mirrors are now in the optimum position. You may still have a small blind spot, but it will be much smaller than if your mirrors were set up incorrectly.
Some modern cars now have what is known as mirror memory. It allows you to position your mirrors perfectly, and then save their position into the car’s memory. You can then return your mirrors to the exact same position with a push of the button.
This is particularly useful if you share your car with someone else who requires the mirrors to be in different positions.
Know Your Blind Spot
Once you have your mirrors set up to the correct position, you may still find that you have a small blind spot.
Learn exactly where your blind spot is, and how big it is. This will make you safer when on the roads because you’ll know the area that you need to watch.
The easiest way to find the size and position of your blind spot is to get out on the road. In your rear view mirror, find a car that is behind you, but is in the process of passing you. Watch it in your rear view mirror as it approaches and notice when it enters the view from your side mirrors.
You should be able to determine the exact point at which it disappears from both your rear view and your side mirrors. Now count seconds in your head until you see the car in your peripheral vision. This should be no more than one or two seconds, provided that the car is not passing you at almost the same speed you are traveling.
Try this a few times and determine the longest amount of time that any vehicle remains in your blind spot.
Wait to Pull Out
Now that you know how long vehicles are typically in your blind spot, you can reduce your risk of an accident by waiting for at least this long before changing lanes.
For example, if you notice that cars tend to be in your blind spot for two seconds at most, then when it comes time to change lanes, check both your rear view and side mirrors. If you don’t see anything, wait another two seconds before you pull out. This should give enough time for any cars that were in your blind spot to become visible again.
We always advise taking plenty of time to make your move into the next lane.
Look Over Your Shoulder
Another technique when dealing with blind spots while driving is to look over your shoulder.
If you cannot see a car in your mirrors, you should still be able to see it through the side windows. Because of the position of the most common blind spots, you will need to look over your left shoulder to do this.
Keep in mind that while looking back may reduce the risk of a blind spot accident, it could increase your risk of hitting the car in front. Always be aware of your surroundings. If you are in tight traffic, stay safe by being selective when looking over your shoulder.
Use Technology
Asmentioned earlier,well asthinkingabout your own blind spot, you should alsoandtake into accountthe blind spots of other drivers. They may not be so aware of the problem as you now are, and they may try to pull out when you are driving in their blind spot.
If you are passing another car, avoid matching their speed too closely. This will cause you to remain in their blind spot for longer than if you were passing them more quickly. The less time you can spend in their blind spot the better.
Also take into account the blind spots of vehicles that cannot see directly behind them, such as large trucks, tractor trailers, big rigs or station wagons that are full right up to the roof. These drivers will only be able to see you in their side mirrors, so if you are too close behind them, you will be in a large blind spot.
They may brake suddenly, not realizing you are there. If you are traveling close behind them, you will have little time to avoid a collision.
Keep in Mind the Blind Spots of Other Drivers
As well as thinking about your own blind spot, you should also take into account the blind spots of other drivers. They may not be so aware of the problem as you now are, and they may try to pull out when you are driving in their blind spot.
If you are passing another car, avoid matching their speed too closely. This will cause you to remain in their blind spot for longer than if you were passing them more quickly. The less time you can spend in their blind spot the better.
Also take into account the blind spots of vehicles that cannot see directly behind them,such as large trucks, tractor trailers, big rigs or station wagons that are full right up to the roof. These drivers will only be able to see you in their side mirrors, so if you are too close behind them, you will be in a large blind spot.
They may brake suddenly, not realizing you are there. If you are traveling close behind them, you will have little time to avoid a collision.
Be Aware of Motorcycles
Blind spots can be deadly for motorcyclists. Changing lanes when a motorcycle is in your blind spot can force the rider off the road, and potentially off the bike.
Keep this in mind when driving on a road that bends, as you approach a hill, or when the grade of the road may not be even. All these situations can make it more difficult to see a motorcycle.
And if you are the motorcycle rider, do what you can to make sure other drivers can see you. For example, you may be able to avoid blind spots by moving from one side of your lane to the other.
Tips for Overcoming Blind Spots
To recap, here are five tips to help you safelyovercome blind spots while driving:
- Adjust all your mirrors to cover as much area as possible around your vehicle.
- Do not rely solely on mirrors. Always lookout the side windows to check for cars with your own eyes.
- Do not linger when passing other vehicles.Avoid being in another driver’s blind spot.
- Use your turn signal early and often to alert other drivers thatyourintend to change lanes.
- Keep your field of vision clear. Do not place items in front of the window thatcould obstruct your view.
Use a Defensive Driving Course to Help Sharpen Your Skills
What is a blind spot? Well, now you know.
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