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Subscribe to this threadBe sure to check your blind spots with ScopeOut
(Page 1 of 1)
PJ @ May 22nd 2008 9:43AM
"There have been many inventions in the last few years in order to reduce accidents due to that age-old hazard, the blind spot... "
Like, for example, *side mirrors.*
They're free, and the only "invention" you need is thirty seconds to sidle up along something stationary (in your "blind spot") and take aim.
Why the recent glut of inventions? I guess even auto engineers and driving instructors don't know what they're for.
info @ May 22nd 2008 10:08AM
Exactly! Adjust the side mirrors correctly and there is no blind spot. But there certainly are a lot of misconceptions. I recently saw a brief interview with one of the NASCAR drivers who proclaimed thag the correct way to adjust the side mirrors is to see the edge of the rear bumper at one side of the field of view. That is pure nonsense because it relegates the side mirrors to a rear view morror. That's what the inside morror is for. I don't need to see the end of my rear bumper (do cars even have bumpers anymore?), what I do need to see is what's going on at the side of my car. Adjusting the mirrors correctly will take care of that problem and it also eliminates the idiotic habit of looking over the shoulder. How much more stupid can one be than to take ones eyes off the road in front to look over the shoulder?
Bob-omb @ May 22nd 2008 10:56AM
I know certain cars have poor visibility, but I have a 2000 Camry, and I have absolutely zero rear blind spots with my side mirrors adjusted in accordance with my rear view mirror. I still turn (force of habit) but if I have to make an emergency lane change, I know I won't get any surprises, at least.
Every time I drive someone else's car, they always have half of their side mirrors showing the damned sides of their own car. Uh, the purpose is to see into the OTHER lane, not look at your car's side molding.
tekdemon @ May 22nd 2008 11:50AM
There is still a blind spot no matter how well you adjust your side mirrors...and I own a Camry (and yes with properly adjusted mirrors).
You can make your blind spot very small though, but there'll still be a blind spot (particularly on the driver side), so it's still important to give it a double check.
But seriously people, don't be lazy, just give a quick glance past the mirror. If you're already looking at the damned mirror it takes only a modicum of extra effort to rotate your eyeballs a little further and turn your head like 10 degrees more.
Pat @ May 22nd 2008 12:50PM
Every car has a blind spot ... in some cases bigger than others.
Actually, let me rephrase, every drive in every car has a blind spot.
You can only adjust your mirrors to a certain extent and each person is different based on his physiognomy and on how he adjusts his seat ...
As for the need to see your rear bumper ... again, not everyone drives in the same context. During the week, I drive in the city, I park along side curbs, in tight spots ... my mirrors are useful in inching up to a car's bumpers, or a wall. ... and I don't have power mirrors so it's one setting for all.
I used to think the passenger-side mirror was useless until I snapped mine off and spent a week without it.
Randy @ May 27th 2008 10:07AM
I'm not trying to be an antagonist! But how can the side view mirrors on any vehicle function different from another vehicle if they are are all functionally the same! Mirror+Location+Movable. That would completely discount any car (Camry) from being superior over anything else!
Are Camry mirrors "magic mirrors"? Do they make "Instant Grits? ;)
And don't tell me their height of the mirror either! Because that doesn't matter since you can adjust the mirrors!
NOTE: I really don't like responding to a secondary post and causing the original poster to have to read my comments on another comment! Sorry! :)