Blind spots refer to areas around your car that are not visible through your rearview or side mirrors. To see these areas, you need to take some extra measures. Here is how to identify and eliminate blind spots for safer driving: (1)
How to check and identify your blind spot
Checking your blind spot is particularly important when you want to: (1)
- Moving the car off, especially at junctions, roundabouts, and parking.
- When moving onto a motorway, dual carriageways, major roads, and any situation where there is more than one lane.
To check your blind spot, you need to tilt your body and turn your head while looking over your shoulder out the rear passenger window. This is to check the area alongside your bumper for cars, humans, or any kind of vehicle riding in your blind spot. (2)
New drivers might find it challenging to check and identify their blind spot because they need to briefly take their eyes off the road and look over their shoulders. However, if you are a new driver, you can practice in a parking lot before hitting the roads. (2)
Tip: Have a partner or a friend stand in your blind spot to practice looking while the car is still and when doing that try to memorize the exact location of your blind spot. (2)
Tips to eliminate and overcome blind spots
Drivers must always make sure to check their blind spots as it may not be possible to eliminate blind spots. However, there are some practices to reduce accident risk. Here are some tips to eliminate and avoid blind spots while driving: (3)
- Adjust your car mirrors to cover as much area as possible.
- Don’t rely only on mirrors, you should use your eyes to check your blind spots.
- Don’t consume much time when passing other vehicles.
- Avoid being in other drivers’ blind spots.
- Use the turn signal often and early to alert other drivers that you’re making a lane change.
- Keep your vision field clear from any item that could obstruct your view.
References:
(1) A guide to checking your blind spots when you drive (motability.co.uk)
(2) The New Driver’s Guide to Blind Spots (idrivesafely.com)
(3) How to Eliminate Blind Spots When Driving | DriveSafe Online®
