When The Inside And Outside Rearview Mirrors Are Properly Adjusted

When the Inside and Outside Rearview Mirrors Are Properly Adjusted: A Comprehensive Guide to Safe Driving

Properly adjusted rearview mirrors are crucial for safe driving. They significantly expand your field of vision, allowing you to anticipate potential hazards and react accordingly. Many drivers don't realize the optimal settings go beyond simply seeing the road behind them – it's about eliminating blind spots and maximizing situational awareness. This comprehensive guide will teach you the correct way to adjust both your inside and outside rearview mirrors, dramatically improving your driving safety and confidence.

The Importance of Properly Adjusted Mirrors

Before diving into the how-to, let's emphasize why proper mirror adjustment is so important:

• Reduced Blind Spots: Incorrectly adjusted mirrors leave significant blind spots, areas you can't see directly but that still pose a threat. This is especially dangerous when changing lanes, merging onto highways, or parking. Proper adjustment minimizes these blind spots, giving you a much clearer view of your surroundings.

• Enhanced Situational Awareness: With properly adjusted mirrors, you gain a more complete picture of the traffic flow around you. This allows you to anticipate potential hazards like sudden braking, lane changes, or merging vehicles much earlier, giving you more time to react safely.

• Improved Lane Changes: Safe and confident lane changes rely heavily on having a clear view of adjacent lanes. Properly adjusted mirrors give you the confidence to change lanes smoothly and safely, reducing the risk of accidents.

• Safer Parking: Parking, especially in tight spaces, becomes easier and safer with properly adjusted mirrors. You'll have a better view of the surrounding obstacles, allowing you to maneuver accurately and avoid collisions.

• Increased Driving Confidence: Knowing you have a clear view of your surroundings significantly boosts your driving confidence. This translates into smoother, safer driving habits.

Adjusting the Inside Rearview Mirror

The inside rearview mirror is your primary source of information regarding the vehicles directly behind you. Its adjustment is relatively straightforward:

1. Position Yourself Correctly:

Sit comfortably in your driver's seat, adjusted to your optimal driving position. This is crucial because the mirror's view will be different depending on your seating position. Ensure your headrest is properly adjusted for your comfort and optimal rearview visibility.

2. Adjust the Mirror Angle:

Adjust the mirror so that you can see as much of the area directly behind your vehicle as possible. The horizon line should be roughly centered in the mirror. Avoid tilting the mirror excessively upwards or downwards; a straight-on view provides the most effective coverage.

3. Eliminate Blind Spots (as much as possible):

While the inside mirror can't completely eliminate blind spots, the goal is to minimize them as much as possible. Make sure the mirror's angle provides a clear view of as much of the road directly behind your vehicle as possible.

Adjusting the Outside Rearview Mirrors (The "Blind Spot" Method)

The outside mirrors are designed to minimize blind spots and provide a wider field of vision. The most effective method for adjusting these mirrors is the "blind spot" method:

1. The Key Principle: Eliminating the Blind Spot

The objective is to position the mirrors so that you can see the sides of your own vehicle in the mirrors. This seems counter-intuitive at first, as you might think you want to see as much of the lane next to you as possible. However, this method drastically reduces the blind spot and provides a more complete view of the road around your vehicle.

2. Adjust the Driver's Side Mirror:

Lean your head slightly to the left, so your left eye is positioned close to the driver's side window. Now, adjust the driver's side mirror until you can just barely see the edge of your vehicle's rear quarter panel in the mirror's outer edge.

3. Adjust the Passenger's Side Mirror:

Repeat the process for the passenger's side mirror. Lean your head slightly to the right, bringing your right eye close to the passenger's side window. Adjust the passenger side mirror until you can just barely see the edge of your vehicle's rear quarter panel in the outer edge of the mirror.

4. Test Your Adjustment:

Once you've adjusted both mirrors, do a few test movements like looking over your shoulder and checking your mirrors. You should see that your blind spots are significantly reduced.

Why the "Blind Spot" Method Works

The "blind spot" method allows you to see into areas that would otherwise be hidden. By seeing the side of your vehicle in the mirrors, you gain a much clearer understanding of what's happening next to you, drastically minimizing the area normally considered a blind spot.

Advanced Techniques and Considerations

• Different Vehicle Types: The optimal mirror adjustment may vary slightly depending on the type and size of your vehicle. Larger vehicles, SUVs, and trucks, will have different blind spot considerations.

• Regular Adjustments: Over time, your mirror adjustments might shift slightly. It's good practice to re-adjust your mirrors periodically to ensure they remain optimally positioned.

• Night Driving: Night driving requires different mirror adjustments. Reduce glare from headlights behind you by slightly angling your mirrors downwards.

• Technology Assisted Systems: Many modern vehicles are equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems like blind-spot monitoring (BSM) and lane departure warning (LDW). While these technologies are helpful, they are not a replacement for properly adjusted mirrors. They should be viewed as supplementary safety features.

• Using the Technology to Your Advantage: Utilize any features your vehicle might have to help you adjust the mirrors—some cars have automatic adjustments or even a built-in memory system so your adjustments are saved for each driver.

• Children and Pets: Be mindful of any children or pets in the vehicle; their movements might obscure your view in the mirrors, so be extra cautious and always double check your surroundings before maneuvering.

• Weather Conditions: Adjusting your mirrors for different weather conditions, such as rain or snow, can improve visibility and prevent glare.

Troubleshooting Common Mirror Adjustment Problems

• Can't see enough of the road behind me: Your mirrors are likely angled too far inward. Adjust them outward to gain a wider view.

• Too much of my vehicle is visible in the mirrors: You are probably too close to the mirror's surface. Try leaning more to the side to adjust your perspective and then adjust your mirror outward as necessary.

• Still experiencing blind spots: Ensure that you are using the "blind spot" method. Re-adjust your mirrors carefully, leaning your head to the appropriate side to help. If blind spots persist, your mirrors may not be correctly aligned with your vehicle or may be damaged. Consider a professional assessment.

Conclusion: Prioritize Mirror Adjustment for Safety

Properly adjusted mirrors are a fundamental element of safe driving. They are inexpensive to adjust and require only a few minutes of your time. Yet, the benefits in terms of enhanced visibility, reduced blind spots, and improved situational awareness are immense. By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to becoming a safer and more confident driver. Remember, regular checking and readjustment will help you maintain optimal visibility and stay safe on the road. Take the time to make these adjustments – your safety, and the safety of others, depends on it.