Okay team, we’re not trying to tell you how to suck eggs here, but we’re thinking maybe an article about blind spots has, in fact, been sitting in our blind spot here at My Auto Shop. So, here it goes, let us open your eyes to the elusive and potentially dangerous “blind spot”.
A blind spot is an area around a vehicle that the driver cannot see immediately in their normal field of vision. Blind spots can be found in a variety of vehicles, including trucks and automobiles. Motorcycles have no blind spots since they have complete visibility all around them.
A driver’s blind spot can be created in a variety of places in a vehicle, whether its the windscreen pillar, rear view mirror, passengers, headrests, side mirrors, and cargo being transported – anything that has potential to obscure your vision can cause a blind spot.
Many accidents happen because someone simply didn’t see the other person, who was most likely in the blind spot.
To help eliminate any unneeded blind areas, take the time to adjust your driving stance and mirrors.
Once you’ve got your mirrors in place, have someone walk around your car with you so you can see what places are obstructing your view and reposition till you can see.
This way, you’ll know where the blind spots are and what you’ll have to do to see that area if necessary.
It’s a good idea to sit in the driver’s seat and examine the visibility when buying a new car.
As we all know, humans come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, and what works for you might not work for the next person, and so on.
Take convertibles for example, they’re absolutely notorious for providing limited vision capabilities. When the top is down, though, rear sight behind the driver improves. When you’re sitting in a potential new car and you’re not sure you’ll be able to see past it, it’s generally best to keep looking.
If you can’t see clearly, you’re more likely to have an accident, and your comfort level in the vehicle may suffer as a result.
What to look out for with blind spots
- The size of the back window
- How far back in your seat do you sit, and where is your eye level?
- Are you able to see over your shoulders on both sides?
- What is the width of the pillars?
- How much visibility do you have in your side mirrors?
Bear in mind that larger vehicles have larger blind areas (makes sense, right?), so be aware of this when manoeuvring around heavy vehicles or larger cars to avoid putting yourself in danger. Unfortunately, in this case, you’re in a better position than the truck or lorry driver.
Also, be aware that as a pedestrian, you may be positioned in a blind spot where the vehicle cannot see you.
Outside circumstances can also affect your visibility; for example, if the light is shining directly into your eyes, you may not be able to see ahead of you.
If you can’t see the road ahead of you, slow down to ensure you’ll be able to stop in time if necessary.
So that you don’t end up being the person who says, “I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you,” be vigilant, prepared, and aware of what to look out for.