Many drivers have experienced sudden moments of alarm on the road when a motorcycle or adjacent vehicle suddenly appears very close, even though they had checked their mirrors before changing lanes. The main cause of this problem is often the car's blind spots, which result from improperly adjusted side mirrors, unknowingly creating unseen areas around the vehicle.
Properly adjusting both side mirrors and the rearview mirror is not just about convenience; it's crucial for eliminating blind spots to maximize visibility. This article guides you on how to adjust the driver's and passenger's side mirrors, techniques to eliminate blind spots, and precautions for maintaining electric side mirrors to ensure safe travel and lane changes.
For the driver's side mirror, adjust it so that the mirror is angled outward and perpendicular to the car, showing as little of your own vehicle as possible. This helps expand your side and rear view, allowing you to see vehicles behind you from a greater distance, especially those overtaking on the right, enabling prompt and clear detection.
Adjust the passenger's side mirror similarly to the driver's side. When adjusting both side mirrors, be careful not to show too much of your own car, as this can create blind spots that delay detection of other vehicles and cause them to appear too close. Remember, side mirrors don't provide full coverage, so you should alternate between looking over your shoulder and checking mirrors, especially for motorcycles weaving in or vehicles in blind spots. Avoid quick lane changes without a clear view; turning your head provides better visibility than mirrors alone, particularly for low-profile sports cars and when central pillars obstruct the view.
Whether driving on interprovincial highways or in the city, regularly alternate your gaze between side mirrors and the rearview mirror. Adjust the rearview mirror to provide the widest possible rear view and angle it slightly to the left. Hatchbacks or SUVs often have rear pillars that obstruct rear visibility, so take care to fully check your surroundings before reversing or changing direction.
Additional advice for using side mirrors: if your car has electric folding mirrors, avoid manually folding or unfolding them. Pushing them with your hand or accidental contact from a motorcycle handlebar at a red light can damage the electric mechanism, leading to costly repairs. When driving large vehicles like SUVs in narrow streets or at long red lights, it's advisable to fold the mirrors in to protect them from being clipped by motorcycles weaving through traffic. Some models include LED turn signals or 360-degree cameras on the mirrors, which can be damaged or broken by collisions with no accountability from the hit-and-run offenders.
Always check and clean your mirrors before setting out to remove dirt that can block your view. Simply wiping the mirrors with a damp cloth can greatly improve safety. Also, avoid phone calls, social media, or selfies while driving. Wait until you reach your destination to use your phone, which is better for both your safety and your vehicle's condition. Focus fully on driving to arrive safely without tailgating or changing lanes without adequate observation, which can cause collisions with other vehicles or motorcycles sharing the road.
As mentioned, side mirrors cannot eliminate all blind spots. Combining looking over your shoulder with mirror checks helps prevent motorcycles that ride closely alongside you from being missed. Avoid tailgating the vehicle in front too closely, which can cause rear-end collisions if they brake suddenly. Keeping a safe distance allows you time to check side directions and mirrors properly. Always signal lane changes in advance to prevent collisions with other vehicles when changing lanes.
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