Checking your blind spots is a critical skill for safe driving. Every vehicle has blind spots, which are areas around the vehicle that the driver can’t directly observe while looking forward or through either the rearview or side mirrors. Failing to check these areas properly can lead to collisions, especially when changing lanes or merging into traffic.
To effectively check your blind spots, follow these steps:
1. Adjust Your Mirrors Correctly: Before you even start driving, make sure your rearview and side mirrors are adjusted to minimize blind spots. Your rearview mirror should give you a straight-back view out of your rear window, and side mirrors should be positioned just beyond the point where you can no longer see the side of your car. However, even with proper adjustment, there will still be areas that your mirrors can’t cover.
2. Use Your Eyes, Not Just Mirrors: While mirrors help in identifying vehicles around you, they are not enough to ensure that space is clear. Turn your head over the appropriate shoulder to look directly into the lanes beside you. This action allows you to see the areas that are hidden from mirror view.
3. Perform Checks Before Maneuvers: Always check your blind spots before performing any maneuvers like changing lanes, turning into a new street, merging onto a highway, or when doing parallel parking.
4. Check Over Your Shoulder: Do a quick over-the-shoulder glance to ensure no cars are in your blind spot or approaching it quickly. This is often referred to as a “head check” and is essential before changing lanes.
5. Be Aware of Other Vehicles’ Blind Spots: Remember that other vehicles also have blind spots. Avoid staying in those areas longer than necessary when overtaking or following other cars.
6. Use Technology If Available: Some modern vehicles come equipped with technology like blind-spot monitoring systems that can alert you if there’s a car in your blind spot with an audio or visual warning.
7. Periodically Monitor Surroundings: Even if you’re not planning to change lanes or make turns, it’s good practice to periodically check your surroundings in case another vehicle moves into your blind spot area without your noticing.
Understanding how to check and be aware of blind spots significantly reduces the risk of accidents on the road by ensuring you’re fully aware of other cars around you before making moves. Practice makes perfect; integrate these checks into your normal driving routine until they become second nature.