We cringe every time we hear an automobile advertisement bragging about their blind spot indicator that often adds to the sticker price but really doesn’t need to exist. At best it’s a second layer of defense, which can be a good thing, but you shouldn’t be relying on it to keep you safe.
You see, if you properly adjust your mirrors, there are no blind spots.
Most of us have our side view mirrors positioned so we see a sliver of the back of the car in both the driver’s side and passenger side mirrors. This means our mirrors are looking directly behind us, which is unnecessary (and dangerous) as it leaves blind spots off of the back corner of our vehicles. Luckily, we can solve this problem together right now.
How to properly set your mirrors
graphic courtesy of Car & Driver Magazine July 2024
If your vehicle has a rear-view center mirror it should be positioned to be centered in the back glass and angled up to see as far behind you as possible. This rear view centered mirror is the only one that should tell you what’s right behind your vehicle. Don’t be afraid to push your side mirrors out a bit further than you normally have them. You should have to lean your head nearly against the driver’s window to see the back of your car. When you sit back up in your normal driving position the side of your car will no longer be in view, but what used to be the blind spot will be centered in your mirror. Similarly, you should have to have your head almost under the center mirror before you see the passenger side of your car in that mirror.
We promise if anyone ever steals the back of your car while you are driving around…WE WILL PERSONALLY PAY TO REPLACE IT! In the meantime, stop watching the back of your car and WATCH THE ROAD!*
