Blind Spots - When should I check them?

​​​In a continuation of our habits series, this blog will focus on blind spots and how important it is to check them.

​On a car there are usually only two blind spots, however, this could change depending on how many functioning mirrors you have.

This highlight the importance of checking any problems your car has and getting them repaired.

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Checking your mirrors gives you a very clear understanding of where other road users are and if there are any obstacles you need to be aware of. Unfortunately, as with any car, there are blind spots that need to be observed. This is very easy to do but still many incidents that occur are due to road users not being vigilant and checking their blind spots. 

A large number of driving tests are not passed due to the simple issue of not checking their blind spots at the suitable time if at all.​

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Where is the blind spot?

As shown on the diagram, if we look at the orange car, this car has two blind spots which are marked in the shaded area, one of which includes the red car.
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The red car cannot be seen by the orange car which means if this car doesn’t check their blind spot before pulling over to the left (to avoid middle lane hogging) they may cause a collision. 
All of the yellow cars shows are clear of the blind spot.​

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Driving tests

A large number of driving tests are not passed due to the simple issue of not checking their blind spots at the suitable time if at all. When pulling off to the right it is not essential to check the left hand side blind spot, although it doesn’t hurt to do so and is advisable. However, looking over the right hand shoulder is essential. This is important for both the driving test and for safety reasons, for instance there could be a bicycle coming past. 

Checking the blind spot is sometimes what an examiner is checking is done by simply asking the student to pull over to the left then pull away again. 

When to check the blind spot

- When changing lanes, remember to check the appropriate mirrors and blind spot to ensure there are no obstacles in the way. 
- Overtaking
- Pulling away from stationary
- Any time you need to consider moving

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Many drivers say that they have been paying attention on the road and this means that the blind spot doesn’t actually need to be checked but this shouldn’t be an excuse not to check the blind spot. It doesn’t take much time to check your blind spot and it could prevent a collision and save lives. 
Remember! When in doubt check your blind spot and if in doubt don’t continue with your manoeuvre.
Blind spot mirrors

You can purchase blind spot mirrors but it is important that they mustn’t be used instead of checking. They should be used as an additional check to be done. 

Don’t let skipping out checking your blind spot become a habit.

Check out our other blogs on habits