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I really like this kind of stuff. Random trivia, tech ideas, cool tips, hacks and items like this one today where I learn I’ve basically been driving wrong for, well, as long as I’ve been driving.
According to a Society of Automotive Engineers report if we all would simply adjust our mirrors properly we could pretty much eliminate our vehicle blind spots without any of those expensive new blind spot detection systems (camera’s, radar, etc.).
The paper advocates adjusting the mirrors so far outward that the viewing angle of the side mirrors just overlaps that of the cabin’s rearview mirror. This can be disorienting for drivers used to seeing the flanks of their own car in the side mirrors. But when correctly positioned, the mirrors negate a car’s blind spots. This obviates the need to glance over your shoulder to safely change lanes as well as the need for an expensive blind-spot warning system.
The only problem is getting used to the SAE-recommended mirror positions. The cabin’s rearview mirror is used to keep an eye on what is coming up from behind, while the outside mirrors reflect the area outside the view of the inside rearview mirror.
Ahhh, getting used to it, that IS the trick.
Since we’re all driven by habit and most of us have incorrectly gotten in the habit of seeing the side of our high powered sports car (or in my case small sedan or minivan) in our mirrors …. the transition can be a little weird.
I’ve been playing with this approach for the last week or so and have to admit once you get past the disorientation of not seeing your car (it really is disorienting at first) it’s pretty cool. It’s surprising not only how much more you’re able to see – yes, it does defeat that blind spot – but also that it actually gives you a more complete feel of the road as you drive.
The weirdest difference? For me it was driving in an outside lane. You see, since your mirror is adjusted to give you a view of the lane next to you (and not behind you so much) when you glance in your mirror you don’t see road …. you see ditch and grass.
Yeah, that’s a bit of a surprise at first!
But, to be honest your brain (adaptive little sucker that it is) will likely adjust within a couple of days (depending on how much driving you do) and you’ll be a safer driver.
Yes, we should all probably still look over our shoulders when changing lanes (we should all drive the proper speed limit too) but let’s be honest …. we don’t.
When you’re in a hurry, screaming kids in the backseat, radio playing, dinner plans racing through your head, etc. this is the kind of strategy that, all kidding aside, really could save you from an accident if not worse.
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While we’re talking about car safety I’ve also added a couple of links below talking about “blind zones” (def. : the space behind your car that you can’t see).
It stunned me to read that at least 50 kids are backed over by a vehicle EVERY WEEK in the US.
In a weird coincidence that drove (no pun intended there) this point home for me. This almost happened to my Dad last week when he slipped and fell behind his minivan. My Mom was dropping him off at the house on her way to the store, it was night, he got out and walked around behind the car …. and bang he went down.
My Mom had been sorting through her purse to pull out her grocery list, looked up, didn’t see him and started to back up……
Fortunately for all involved, my Mom was paying attention and my Dad isn’t a little kid so what could have been tragic has instead become a new running joke (though my Mom, understandably, doesn’t laugh).
Speaking of safety, by telling that story – a story I’m sure my Mother will love that I shared online – I’ve likely reduced my own safety the next time I see her.
- Consumer Reports - Blind zones and backover accidents
- Consumer Reports - Blind Zones By Vehicle Types
- www.kidsandcars.org
