Most people believe that blind spots can’t be avoided when driving. This may have been true in years past, but you can eliminate blind spots to help prevent serious accidents.
An engineer named George Platter discovered how to eliminate blind spots by adjusting a vehicle’s mirrors. The National Safety Council has tested and fully endorsed the method. Fleet drivers can use this method to ensure safety in company vehicles. In every vehicle an employee uses, they need to adjust the seat and mirrors accordingly. The following instructions will eliminate any blind spots from your view.
- Lean your head to the left until it almost touches the driver’s side window and then position the mirror on the vehicle’s left side so you can just see the rear of the car in the mirror. (This will likely position the mirror farther out than how it was previously adjusted.)
- Lean your head to the right until it is between the two front seats, at your normal height, and position the right side mirror so you can just see the rear of the passenger side in the mirror.
- Adjust the center rearview mirror to place it facing the center of the rear window.
Remind your employees to make these adjustments for every vehicle they drive. This method can be tested by noticing a car coming from behind on your left side to pass you. You will see that the car is in the rearview mirror. Just before the car disappears from the rearview mirror it will be in your left side mirror. Next, you will see it in your peripheral vision before it disappears from view in your side mirror. The same will be true for your right side mirror. You should be able to see the cars around you without even moving your head.
