Which of the following statements about blind spots is true?
Answers
They are eliminated if you have one outside mirror on each side of the vehicle.
Large trucks have bigger blind spots than most passenger vehicles.
Blind spots can be checked by looking in your rearview mirrors.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Blind spots are areas around a vehicle that cannot be directly seen by the driver using the rearview or side mirrors. Among the following statements, the correct one is:
- Blind spots are areas that drivers should check by turning their head to ensure no vehicle or object is in the way before making a lane change or turning.
Explanation:
Blind spots exist because mirrors, while useful, cannot cover every angle around a vehicle. The design of the car, the position of the mirrors, and the driver’s seating posture contribute to the presence of blind spots. These areas can hide other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians, making them particularly hazardous when changing lanes or turning.
Drivers are responsible for compensating for blind spots by performing head checks, often called shoulder checks. This involves briefly looking over the shoulder in the direction of the intended movement to confirm there are no hidden hazards. Relying solely on mirrors can lead to collisions, especially on highways or in dense traffic.
Modern vehicles often include blind-spot monitoring systems to alert drivers of vehicles in these areas. While these systems are helpful, they should not replace proper head checks, as technology can sometimes fail or miss smaller objects.
Motorcyclists and cyclists are especially vulnerable in a car’s blind spots because of their smaller size. Drivers must remain vigilant, adjust mirrors properly, and practice defensive driving habits.
Key Tips for Managing Blind Spots:
- Adjust Mirrors Properly: Set side mirrors to show a wider view of the adjacent lanes.
- Perform Shoulder Checks: Look over your shoulder before changing lanes or merging.
- Use Technology: Blind-spot monitoring can be an additional aid.
- Stay Aware: Recognize blind spots in other vehicles, especially larger ones like trucks.
By proactively managing blind spots, drivers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure safer road conditions for everyone.