There’s a reason that motor vehicles come with mirrors. They save lives and prevent injuries.
Just having mirrors, however, does not make you a safer driver by itself. You need to optimize the use of your mirrors. Here are a few things you can do.
Keep them clean
Whatever your feelings about cleaning your car are, you need to keep all of your mirrors and windows clean. It only takes a few seconds to clear your mirrors before setting off on a frosty morning or after they’ve got splattered with mud.
Replace cracked glass
If you park on the street, you may return to your car to find your mirror cracked or hanging off after a passing vehicle clipped it. While it’s frustrating to have to pay for a replacement, being in a crash because you couldn’t see another vehicle will cost much more.
Set them correctly
Many people think they should position their mirrors so they can see the side of their own vehicle. Research from the Society of Auto Engineers suggests that is incorrect. They recommend moving your side mirrors out so you can no longer see your own vehicle in them. Their theory is that doing this gives you broader coverage between your three mirrors and helps to reduce those problematic blind spots. This method can take some getting used to, so it’s best to try it out somewhere quiet first.
Use them
You should constantly scan your mirrors to monitor what’s happening behind you. Doing this can avoid surprises.
Now that you know these things, you can better see what’s going on around your vehicle. Unfortunately, that doesn’t ensure that you can avoid all negligent and reckless drivers. If one of them causes a crash that injures you, it’s wise to seek guidance to help you better understand your legal options for compensation.