The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) published a paper in 1995 suggesting how outside mirrors could be adjusted to eliminate blind spots. This article expands on that paper.
I switched a few months ago. It took a while to get used to it, but I feel like I have a better picture of what’s happening around me.
Have you tried this? Did you switch back?
ITT: a whole bunch of people more worried about scratching or bumping their car in a parking lot than possibly killing themselves or others on a highway with an unsafe lane change.
Adjust your mirrors so cars approaching from behind in the lane to either side start entering your side mirrors as they start leaving your rearview mirror. There should be a point where you can see one half of a car in the side mirror and the other half in the center mirror at the same time. You should not be able to see your own car. You might not be able to dial this in while parked and might have to adjust on the road, but it’s absolutely worth it.
If you need to see the lines while parking and your mirrors don’t auto-move in reverse, explore methods that don’t rely on mirrors. I used to park on a long, squiggly driveway. I’d crack the driver door open to see where the edge was while I was reversing, and I could follow it precisely at speed. If your car allows you to crack the door open without shifting into park, give that a shot (you’re wearing your seatbelt, right? Don’t fall out and run yourself over.). Otherwise you could try rolling down a window and peeking out that way.
lol.
idgaf how anyone has their mirror adjusted, turn your head and look with your eyes before changing lanes, full stop.
If you’re in a vehicle that blocks those direct site lines, then you should have multiple side mirrors with blind spot coverage already.
I’d rather not take my eyes so fully off of what’s happening in front of me at speed, that’s why I have my mirrors set up so I can see the lanes next to me: to use my eyes without having to contort my body
If you can’t take your eyes off the road long enough to turn your head and check your blind spots, then you are probably not in a spot safe enough to allow a lane change anyway 🤷♂️
Taking your eyes off the road ahead is never a good idea. The view from the right hand mirror is better than the view from over the right shoulder: the shoulder view of the blind spot is obstructed by the B and C pillars. Over the left side, you have to turn over 90 degrees, or just use the mirror properly.
Try leaning forward 8-12 inches. The angle of reflection widens, providing a clear view of the blind spot, while leaving the road ahead visible in your peripheral vision.
Mirrors are better. Use them. Add convex “wedge” mirrors for an even better view.