Blind spots

A blind spot is an area that can’t be seen either when using normal forward vision or when using the mirrors. The main blind spots are

• the area between what you see as you look forward and what you see in your exterior mirror
• the area obscured by the bodywork of the vehicle when you look in your mirrors. Vehicles of different shapes have different blind spots.

Some vehicles – such as 4x4s – have very large blind spots, which can block the driver’s view of pedestrians, motorcyclists or even small cars.

Exterior mirrors and reverse-assist technology can help reduce blind spots, but remember that they won’t show you everything behind you. You can buy auxiliary mirrors to mount on the surface of your exterior mirrors. These give an even wider angle of vision and go some way towards reducing blind spots, but won’t entirely eliminate them.

Similarly, vehicle manufacturers are introducing systems that use radar or cameras to warn drivers – by flashing a light or making a sound – if a vehicle encroaches into a blind spot. If you have such technology installed, it’s still vital to check your mirrors as normal.

Even though you’ve used your mirrors, always look round over your right shoulder to check the blind spot before you move off.

Checking blind spots on the move

On occasion it will be necessary to check blind spots while you’re on the move.

These blind spots will be to either side and shouldn’t require you to look round, but rather to give a quick sideways glance.

Looking right round to check blind spots on the move is unnecessary and dangerous, especially when driving at high speeds; in the time it takes, you’ll lose touch with what’s happening in front.

Regular and sensible use of the mirrors will keep you up to date with what’s happening behind. You will, however, still need to know when a glance into the blind spots is needed.

Take a quick sideways glance

• before changing lanes
• before joining a motorway or dual carriageway from a slip road
• before manoeuvring in situations where traffic is merging from the left or right.

Recognise where other drivers’ blind spots will be and avoid remaining in them longer than necessary. This is particularly important when overtaking large vehicles.