Life is full of certain inevitable truths. The steadfast schedule of the nightly news, the monthly due date for your rent or mortgage, and the fact that your favorite sports team plays better when you are able to perform certain pre-game rituals are just a few examples.
In relation to driving, blind spots are an unfortunate inevitability and may often seem unavoidable. However, whatever the source of these obstacles, there are numerous ways to minimize the hazard.
Here are some tips on how to navigate and avoid blind spots while driving.
1. Adjust Your Mirrors
When adjusted properly, your side mirrors can extend the field of view afforded by your rear-view mirror. The general rule in this case is to adjust them so that they are angled fifteen degrees away from the vehicle. Luckily, there is an easy way to do this. Click this link for simple instructions and a video tutorial. Although it may take some time for your brain to become accustomed to the new field of view, many car experts agree that this is the best way to compensate for any blind spots within your vehicle.
2. Remain Physically Alert
While adjusting your mirrors as detailed above will undoubtedly minimize blind spots while driving, it is also important to remember to continue to use your peripheral vision to detect approaching vehicles, pedestrians, wildlife, and other potential obstacles. Additionally, it is never a bad idea to do an over-the-shoulder check before changing lanes, just in case.
3. Keep Your Windows and Windshield Clean and Clear
It should go without saying that keeping your auto glass clean can help to navigate blind spots and avoid creating new ones. For example, a windshield that is coated with dust and grime will be a lot harder to see out of when it reflects and disperses direct sunlight during the day, or streetlamps and other cars’ headlights at night. A good rule of thumb is to use the complimentary windshield wash and squeegee at the gas station to give your windows and windshield a good scrub whenever you fill up your tank. Also, make sure that you don’t have anything piled up in your back window to keep your field of vision in the rear-view mirror unobstructed.
4. Utilize Your Turn Signals
While driving, you should also be aware of other drivers’ blind spots. Large semi-trucks, for instance, will have a harder time seeing your smaller vehicle approaching, so be sure to pass or change lanes with plenty of notice, distance, and use of your turn signals. You should also aim to make the lane change quick and precise so as not to impede traffic or cause a collision when a neighboring driver believes that you no longer need to move into the lane.
5. Remove Snow and Ice Buildup Completely Before Driving
Scraping your windows can be an arduous chore, and sometimes it’s awfully tempting to do the job halfway and assume that the vehicle’s interior temperature and defrost function will take care of the rest. Unfortunately, this can put you in a dangerous situation when drifts of ice break off from their counterparts at the top of your vehicle and slide down the back window or windshield, seriously blocking your view. Better not to risk it — do the job all the way!
So, there you have it.
Stay alert and diligent to avoid the hazards of blind spots while driving, and from everyone at Quick-Set Auto Glass, drive safely out there!
