Avoiding Control Blind Spots

Encountering blind spots during driving is something that cannot be avoided—it is indeed a natural occurrence in every driver’s life. There are 8 blind spots while driving: 2 in the front of the car, 2 on each side, and 2 in the rear of the vehicle. To prevent an accident, you need to avoid blind spots. This poses serious danger for both the driver and passengers alike which can lead to very unfavourable situations. Switching lanes may seem to be an ordinary ordeal which can turn deadly if you are not careful. Every car manufacturer has revolutionized the design of their cars in order to overcome this safety flaw, and yet there are still many who are victimized by blind spots.

Over the years, driver education has always stressed the importance of physically looking over your shoulder to check out your blind spot. This action was superseded relatively quickly due to the steady development of car technology. From strategically adjusting your mirrors to encompass your whole vision to purchasing a blind spot mirror-- Low and behold, here comes the “blind spot alerting system”. This system is composed of several strategically positioned sensors that alert the driver if another vehicle is positioned in the driver’s blind spot. Blinking lights will go off in the corresponding rear view mirror to let the driver know that there is potential danger.

But still, this method did not achieve the full effect that was expected and many motorists still conformed to the traditional preventive measure of checking over their shoulders manually. In reality, this action carries with it more risks than benefits. A front collision may just be hammering your way as you look backward in an effort to prevent a similar event from happening. Furthermore, with the way cars are engineered nowadays, seeing all the way to the back of your SUV may seem a futile effort considering all the seats that block your vision. Remember that accidents can occur in a split-second… that is something that you do NOT want to occur. . It is just ironic that tons of resources are spent to enhance car safety and yet it still remains inconsistent and not totally reliable.

So, the best solution to this problem is to keep things simple. Stick to the basics. Trust your instincts. Free yourself from those complicated systems which at the end of the day, do not really reach your expectations. Many motorists have proven time again that using simple, tested methods of safety have been their ally in road safety. 

To prove even further that simple methods are the most effective, take a look at this graphic from the article, “How To: Adjust Your Mirrors to Avoid Blind Spots”, from Car and Driver Magazine.

It is for certain that if you ask any motorist who has applied the adjusting methods presented in this graphic, they would tell you that all the other fancy, high technology systems have nothing compared to this. It is clearly more effective and risks are brought to a minimum.

To help you even more, here are additional tips which you can use when avoiding blind spots:

• Never attempt to adjust your mirrors while you are driving.
• Consistently scan your mirrors if you are planning to change lanes or pass someone.
• The new adjustments you have made on your mirrors will also call for an adjustment period for you. Give yourself at least a week to get used to this.
• Do not rely on your mirrors ALONE when avoiding blind spots.

There you have it! Remember that it is your responsibility as the driver to be fully aware of your surroundings. In order to steer away from dangerous situations, employ the proper safety measures at all times when you are on the road.

Safe Driving!