Reflection viewed through a side mirror on a car

Of all the simple driving tips that are meant to help avoid accidents, checking your blind spot is one of the most obvious. By simply adjusting your mirrors properly, you can eliminate nearly all major blind spots and help reduce the likelihood of a dangerous accident. Luckily, there is a little-known technique out there that makes this easier for drivers.

Drivers must always keep in mind that bicycles and motorcycles move into “blind spots” much more quickly than full-size vehicles. And in parking lots, pedestrians and children are likely to show up in blind spots abruptly.

Most drivers intentionally create blind spots, for the sake of being able to see the side of the car, when adjusting their mirrors. However, the only time it is necessary to see the side of the vehicle is when parallel parking, in which case you should just turn your head.

Here’s the trick to adjusting your mirrors to decrease blind spots:

ideal mirror positionImage curtesy of CarandDriver.com
  1. Left (driver side) mirror: Lean your head over until it almost touches the driver's window, and then position the side mirror on the car's left side so you can just see the rear quarter-panel (the back end of the car) in the mirror. Note: this will likely be positioned farther out than normal.
     
  2. Right (passenger side) mirror: Lean your head to the right to align it with the center of the car, between the two front seats, at your normal height. From there, position the right-side mirror so you can just see the rear quarter-panel of the passenger side in the mirror.
     
  3. Rearview mirror: Adjust the center rearview mirror to place it facing the center of the rear window.
By setting your mirrors in this unconventional way, passing cars should be visible in the rearview mirror, transition into the side-view mirror and then into your peripheral vision. Using this technique, the passing vehicle should never fully disappear from your mirrors until it is clearly visible in your peripheral vision, with little movement of your head.
 
Big Tip: Constantly scanning your mirrors instead of just checking them when you want to change lanes or pass someone will help to prevent other cars from surprising you. Pairing this mirror adjustment with constant scanning will help keep you aware of your surroundings at all times.
 
But Remember:
  • Always look over your shoulders before changing lanes! While this mirror position is very effective at reducing blind spots, it may not eliminate them – especially at high speeds. It is possible for bikes or motorcycles to be in unexpected places.
  • Don't adjust mirrors while driving.

Please drive safely and always remember to watch for motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians that could be in your blind spots. Help support awareness by requesting a free Watch for Motorcycles or Watch for Cycles sticker from Hupy and Abraham.

In the event that you are injured in an automobile accident due to a negligent driver, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Hupy and Abraham. Call 800-800-5678 or start a live chat with us anytime at Hupy.com

Jill Erin Wellskopf
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Director of Marketing, Hupy and Abraham