Adjust Mirrors For Improved Safety

Summary

This video explains how to adjust side mirrors to minimize blind spots and enhance driving safety. It details the correct positioning for both the driver's and passenger's mirrors to provide a seamless view around the vehicle, allowing drivers to notice surrounding traffic more effectively. Although these adjustments improve visibility, the video emphasizes that they won't eliminate all blind spots, underscoring the importance of performing head checks before changing lanes. Overall, the guidance aims to increase driver awareness and safety on the road.

Takeaways

• 😀 Adjusting mirrors can significantly reduce blind spots while driving.
• 🚗 The traditional mirror setup leaves large blind spots to the left and right rear.
• 🔍 To set the driver's side mirror, rest your head against the window and show the edge of your vehicle.
• ➡️ For the passenger side mirror, lean to the right and adjust similarly to the driver’s side.
• 👀 Properly adjusted mirrors allow for better awareness of vehicles in adjacent lanes.
• ⚠️ Always check your mirrors before changing lanes to avoid collisions.
• 🚦 Even with adjusted mirrors, some blind spots will remain; a head check is still necessary.
• 🛡️ Improved visibility enhances safety for you and your passengers.
• 🌟 These mirror settings may feel unusual at first but lead to greater safety.
• 📏 Regularly reassess your mirror settings, especially if the vehicle changes or you feel visibility is compromised.

Q & A

What is a common cause of collisions while changing lanes?

Changing lanes without seeing another vehicle is a frequent cause of collisions.

How do traditional side mirror settings create blind spots?

Traditional mirror settings can create large blind spots to the left and right rear of the vehicle, hiding entire vehicles from view.

What adjustment should you make to the driver side mirror?

Rest your head against the closed window and set the mirror to just barely show the edge of your vehicle.

How should you adjust the passenger side mirror?

Lean to the right so that your head is directly below the rearview mirror or above the center console, then make the same adjustment as for the driver side.

What should you do if you can't adjust the passenger side mirror by yourself?

You may need assistance to adjust the passenger side mirror if you don't have remote adjustment controls.

What benefit do the new mirror settings provide?

The new settings allow for nearly seamless visual contact around your vehicle, helping to reduce blind spots.

What is the sequence of visibility when a vehicle in the next lane is passing?

You will first see the vehicle in the rearview mirror, then in your side mirror, and finally in your peripheral vision through the side window.

When is it unsafe to change lanes?

If you see a vehicle in either side mirror, that vehicle is too close for you to attempt to change lanes.

Why should you still do a quick head check even with adjusted mirrors?

A quick head check ensures that the space you want to move into is clear, as mirror settings will not completely eliminate all blind spots.

How might the new mirror settings feel at first?

The new settings may feel strange initially but will ultimately help you see more of your surroundings and enhance safety.