How to Set Rearview Mirrors to Eliminate Blind Spots
 

How to Set Rearview Mirrors to Eliminate Blind Spots

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It may surprise you to learn that there is a better way to set the rearview mirrors on your car. The quick test: if you look in your side mirrors and you see the side of the car, then you're not using the mirror's capacity! Essentially, most people have a huge overlap between the side and center rearview mirrors, which is unnecessary. By spreading your side mirrors you lose no information about what's behind you, but gain valuable insight into what's beside you. <!-- MediaWiki:Adunitintro --><SCRIPT type=text/javascript><!--if (!gHideAds) { google_max_num_ads = '1';} xchannels = ""; function google_ad_request_done(google_ads) { var i; if (google_ads.length == 0) { return; }padding = ""; s = 'Ads by Google
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Steps

1. 
   Lean your head over until it almost touches the driver's window, and then position the side mirror on the car's left side so you can just see the rear quarterpanel (the rear of the car) in the mirror. Note this will have it positioned farther out than you probably had it before.
   
   http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thum...eft-Step-1.jpg
   
   
   http://pad2.whstatic.com/skins/commo...gnify-clip.png Lean your head over until it almost touches the driver's window, and then position the side mirror on the car's left side so you can just see the rear quarterpanel (the rear of the car) in the mirror.
   
   
2. Lean your head to the right to align it with the center of the car, for example, just between the two front seats, at your normal height. From there, position the right side mirror so you can just see the rear quarterpanel of the passenger side in the mirror.
   
   http://pad2.whstatic.com/images/thum...ght-Step-2.jpg
   
   
   
   
   http://pad2.whstatic.com/skins/commo...gnify-clip.png Lean your head to the right to align it with the center of the car, for example, just between the two front seats, at your normal height.
   
   
3. 3
   Adjust the center rearview mirror to place it facing the center of the rear window.
   
   http://pad2.whstatic.com/images/thum...ear-Step-3.jpg
   
   
   
   
   http://pad2.whstatic.com/skins/commo...gnify-clip.png Adjust the center rearview mirror to place it facing the center of the rear window.
   
   
4. 4
   While driving note that a car passing you begins in the center of your rearview mirror. As it approaches you, it moves to the side of your center rear view mirror, and at the same time appears in your side mirror. This shows you that there is no rear blind spot, because there is an overlap between the mirrors.
   
   http://pad1.whstatic.com/images/thum...emo-Step-4.jpg
   
   
   
   
   http://pad2.whstatic.com/skins/commo...gnify-clip.png While driving note that a car passing you begins in the center of your rearview mirror.
   
   
5. 5
   Also note that your side mirrors now capture a tremendous additional amount of information about what is in the lanes immediately next to your car. Previously you would have to turn your head to ensure nothing was in the lanes beside your car before changing lanes. Now, your side mirrors do a much better job of covering this blind spot on the sides.
   
   http://pad3.whstatic.com/images/thum...pot-Step-5.jpg
   
   
   
   
   http://pad2.whstatic.com/skins/commo...gnify-clip.png Also note that your side mirrors now capture a tremendous additional amount of information about what is in the lanes immediately next to your car.

Great info Space :thumbsup:

I learned that in a defensive driving course I took once, yet I just couldn't get comfortable setting my mirrors like that. I keep them as far out as reasonable on my car, yet I do'nt see them out that far either, just feels uncomfortable not seeing my car and having a frame of reference.

If you want something really quirky, try driving some of those older 60s muscle cars that iddn't have right side mirrors. I've parallesl parked the things without them though ;)

Thanks `Mike (JG)....
-------------------------
Hi `Duane, the above is the way my grandfather taught me to set the mirror's when I first starting driving in my early teens.
Yes, it was unusual or uncomfortable at first, but once you get use to it, you will discover that you don't have any blind spots...:eek:

It's best to test & prove it to yourself `if you have a 3 lane road & are in the middle lane :eek:..You will always have the vehicles passing you on the right or the left in your mirror(s).

Or on a two lane interstate & you are in the left lane passing & the dude in the right lane speeds up & tries to prevent you from passing :eek::mad: (his vehicle will stay in your mirror(s)...
Then you kick in your superCharger/Turbo,Injection & blow the dudes doors `off :rotfl: How does your father set his mirror's in his personal vehicles ?

Wish everyone a GOOD REAR :eek: View when you are out driving your Monte/Corvette/Camaro/Porche or your 56 Edsel ~> :rotfl: LOL

"Be Safe Out there" ~> I may be on the Road :rotfl:http://www.gifs.net/Animation11/Jobs...ce/Red_car.gif
I didn't see him coming up on me in my RearView Mirror ~> Oh `No
You can even see MotorCyles `if your mirrow are set correctly..http://www.gifs.net/Animation11/Jobs...torcycle_2.gif

My dad drove 18 wheelers and had mirrors all over the place. I do'nt think he sets his mirrors, he just drives and runs over people :D

I've added those small convex mirrors to one corner of my outside rear views that essentially does the same thing on my 95 Town & Country.

I think the 6th Gens have some of the best mirrors around.

I don't have mine adjusted like that, but I also haven't had any blind spots with my car.

I rarely use my mirrors. I just signal, turn my head and look.