When you’re driving, you have to complete numerous complicated manoeuvres, and successfully doing that requires being aware of your blind spot. Here’s a basic guide to one of many fundamental driving concepts you will learn about during one of our driving theory courses or Graduated Licensing (GLP) courses.
What is a blind spot?
Let’s start with the basics. When you’re driving, your blind spots are essentially the areas around your vehicle that you cannot see, even while using your mirrors.
Each vehicle has a slightly different blind spot on each side. Your car’s construction determines the exact location and size of your blind spots, along with the positioning of the mirrors and the driver’s seat. The latter two can be manipulated to decrease blind spot size. However, you can’t eliminate them, so you need to learn how to check them properly in order to maintain your own safety and the safety of others on the road, while operating your vehicle.
How do I safely check my blind spot?
Blind spots are large enough to hold an entire car, motorcycle or bicycle. Hence, it’s important to know how to check your blind spots efficiently and safely, particularly before switching lanes, for instance.
To see their blind spots while driving, drivers perform what’s called a shoulder check. If they’re moving to the left lane, they quickly look over their left shoulder to see if any vehicles are driving in their blind spot. To check the right lane, the driver simply looks over their right shoulder.
For enhanced safety, many drivers also opt to attach blind spot mirrors to their side-view mirrors. These convex mirrors offer greater visibility around your vehicle. However, they shouldn’t be your only method for checking your blind spots and we recommend still utilizing the traditional shoulder check while driving.
If you’re feeling a little out of practice, check out our driving refresher courses for BC drivers!
These Typical Mistakes are Avoidable
Failing to check your blind spot is the most common and basic mistake. It places everyone on the road in danger and causes a significant number of accidents every year. It’ll also get you a failing grade from your evaluator should it happen during a test.
Another mistake is incorrect placement of side-view mirrors. This leads to decreased visibility into the blind spots. To ensure your side-view mirrors are offering maximum visibility, adjust them so you can’t see your car’s side in your own mirror.
SIGN UP FOR DRIVING SCHOOL IN NORTH & WEST VANCOUVER
Looking to refresh your driving safety skills and knowledge? North Shore Driving School recommends signing up for one of our refresher courses. Designed with the experienced driver in mind, these courses ensure you’re fully prepared to be a safe, informed driver on B.C.’s roads.
While our driving school is located in North Vancouver, we also serve a considerable area of Greater Vancouver, including West Vancouver, Lions Bay, Deep Cove and Bowen Island. To learn more about our refresher courses, contact us today to get started and register online for our car division!0