How Should I Adjust My Side Mirrors

How Should I Adjust My Side Mirrors?

Properly adjusted side mirrors significantly enhance driving safety by minimizing blind spots and providing a comprehensive view of the surrounding traffic. Incorrectly positioned mirrors, often angled inwards too far, duplicate the view of the rearview mirror, limiting the driver’s field of vision and increasing the risk of accidents.

Key Points for Adjusting Side Mirrors

Adjusting side mirrors effectively involves a specific procedure that differs from the traditional method many drivers learn. This enhanced technique aims to eliminate blind spots entirely, offering a wider perspective of the road.

The Traditional (and Less Effective) Method

The traditional method involves adjusting the side mirrors so that the driver can see the edge of their own vehicle. While seemingly intuitive, this method creates significant overlap with the rearview mirror, essentially showing the driver the same area thrice: once in the rearview mirror and once in each side mirror. This redundancy reduces the overall field of view and increases the likelihood of overlooking vehicles in adjacent lanes.

The Enhanced Method: Eliminating Blind Spots

The enhanced method prioritizes maximizing the driver's field of vision and eliminating blind spots. This method requires the driver to lean their head against the driver's side window and adjust the driver's side mirror until the edge of their own vehicle is just barely visible. Then, leaning to the center of the vehicle, the passenger-side mirror is adjusted until the edge of the vehicle just disappears from view.

Understanding Blind Spots

Blind spots are areas around a vehicle that the driver cannot see directly through the mirrors or by looking forward. They are typically located to the sides and slightly behind the vehicle. The traditional method of mirror adjustment often fails to adequately cover these areas, leading to the dangerous scenario where another vehicle can be present yet unseen by the driver.

The Importance of Correctly Adjusted Headrests

Properly adjusted headrests play a crucial role in both safety and mirror adjustment. Headrests should be positioned to protect the head and neck in the event of a collision. However, they can sometimes obstruct the view to the rear. Ensuring the headrest is appropriately adjusted before setting the side mirrors is vital for an unobstructed view and accurate mirror placement.

Adjusting Mirrors While Seated in the Driving Position

Mirror adjustment should always be performed while seated in the typical driving position. This ensures the mirrors are set to the driver's specific height and posture. Adjustments made outside of this position can lead to inaccuracies and compromised visibility while driving.

Regularly Checking and Re-adjusting Mirrors

Even after initially adjusting the mirrors correctly, it's good practice to periodically check and re-adjust them as needed. Seating position can shift slightly over time, and variations in passengers or cargo can also affect the optimal mirror angles. Regularly checking ensures consistent and maximized visibility.

Fine-tuning Mirror Adjustments While Driving

Once the initial adjustments are made, fine-tuning while driving can further optimize visibility. Observe how other vehicles appear in the side mirrors as they pass. If a vehicle seems to "disappear" for a period of time, slight adjustments can be made to ensure continuous visibility throughout the passing maneuver.

Benefits of Enhanced Mirror Adjustment

The benefits of correctly adjusted side mirrors are substantial. They significantly reduce blind spots, improve overall awareness of surrounding traffic, enhance lane changing safety, and contribute to a more confident and controlled driving experience. This enhanced perspective empowers drivers to make better-informed decisions and react more effectively to changing traffic conditions.

Integrating the Enhanced Method into Driving Habits

Adopting the enhanced method of mirror adjustment may require some initial conscious effort. However, with practice, it becomes second nature. The increased visibility and reduced blind spots offer a significant improvement in driving safety, making the effort well worthwhile. Regularly reinforcing this technique and reminding oneself of its benefits can help solidify its integration into driving habits.