Modern cars come with a ton of technology that keeps drivers safe. This includes lane-assist alerts, side-view video feeds, and backup cameras.
But with so much electronic assistance, some drivers might be tempted to ignore their own observations in the car mirrors in favor of technology. These bad driving behaviors can lead to potentially hazardous circumstances, such as blind spots, which are the portion of the road that is out of the driver’s line of sight. What can you do to prevent this:
Here is a basic guide on how to adjust car mirrors to prevent blind spots:
How to Change the Mirrors on Your Car
In an effort to increase safety, automakers have recently begun selling blind-spot detection systems that use cameras or radar to scan the lanes in front of and behind the car as it is being backed up. Unfortunately, these pricey amenities are exclusive to the newest car models. The only options available to the rest of us are standard rear and side vision mirrors. Let’s take a look:
Make Rearview mirror adjustments
The purpose of this mirror is to provide you with a clear view of the road behind you. Set it up so you can see the full rear window from the driver’s seat without having to turn your head.
If you are six feet or taller, you might wish to flip the rearview mirror around. As a result, the major blind spot that many taller drivers suffer will be significantly reduced. The bottom of the mirror will be raised by one to two inches.
Side-view mirrors can also be adjusted
To adjust side-view mirrors correctly, keep your head motionless and line up the mirror’s edge with the side of your automobile. There is a broader blind zone to the side of the car, and if the side mirrors aren’t well adjusted, all they do is reflect some of what is already visible in the rearview mirror.
You should adjust your side-view mirrors as follows:
Your head should be on the window as you lean to the left. Only a small portion of your car’s side should be visible from this position when you adjust the driver’s side view mirror.
Set the passenger side view mirror so that you can barely see the side of your car from this position as you lean to the right toward the center console. If your car doesn’t have remote mirror adjustment controls, you might need help to put the passenger side view mirror in the right place.
You may not be able to get rid of all blind spots.
According to data from the National Highway Safety Administration, your vehicle’s blind spots occupy over half of the space surrounding it. Too frequently, drivers’ blind spots prevent them from seeing approaching vehicles or pedestrians in their path as they pull out of a parking space or change lanes. This may cause a collision or severe injuries.
When you put your car in reverse, you might have stopped tilting your head to look behind you, believing the rearview camera captures a clear image. You might also wait for your car’s lane-assist system to beep before changing lanes rather than looking over your left shoulder.
Yes, you may not be able to get rid of all blind spots, but at least, with all tips mentioned before, you can manage to have a safer driving experience.
Additional Safety Steps
- Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with this new mirror setting in addition to adjusting your vehicle’s mirrors for maximum vision. A broader outward viewing angle may at first be confusing if you’re used to seeing only a small portion of your automobile in each side view mirror when sitting upright. Watch the movement of oncoming traffic through your rearview and side mirrors as you park off to the side of the road. When you’re ready, drive through traffic and try out your new mirror settings.
- Before changing lanes, look behind you to check for blind spots. Even correctly adjusted mirrors can’t completely remove blind areas, after all. This protective measure lowers the possibility of an accident even more.
- Set the rearview mirror to be used at night. The lights of the automobiles approaching from behind you can be dimmed using the tab at the bottom of manual mirrors. In order to help prevent being blinded by headlights while driving, power mirrors automatically switch to nighttime mode.
Ticket Snipers wants you to be safe out there! We hope this has helped you understand the protection a good setting for your mirrors can provide. On the other hand, if you ever have a traffic ticket issue, we can fight it for you. Call our team at Ticket Snipers and let our legal experts take over your situation and free you from stress!