Increasing Vehicle Safety: Side-View Mirrors

One of the first important steps we learned to take during driver’s education was to adjust the mirrors so we could see properly. Sit up straight in the driver’s seat and check the mirrors to make sure they were at the right level. The way we were told to adjust the passenger or side-view mirror was to position it until you could just see the side of the car while sitting in the driver’s seat. Unfortunately, positioning side-view mirrors in that way leaves a large blind spot that a car can disappear in. As the car leaves the rear-view mirror, you do not see it as it comes up close to the rear bumper, unless you are diligent about turning your head to check. There is, however, a way to position your side-view mirrors so that the blind spot is nearly eliminated. 

According to Tom and Ray Magliozzi of Car Talk, who got their information from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) here is the correct way to position your side-view mirrors. 

"Start by setting your rear view mirror as you normally would. Then, lean your head all the way to the left so it touches the driver's window. From that position, set your left side-view mirror so you can see the back corner of your car. Now lean the same distance the other way, and set your right side-view mirror the same way. 

"Now, here's what happens. When a car comes up behind you, you should first see it in your rearview mirror. But as it passes you (let's say on your left), you'll see it move to the left side of your rearview mirror. And as its left headlight disappears from your rearview mirror, it should instantly show up in your left side-view mirror. There should be no delay. It should slip from one to the other, so you can always see it."

To make sure the mirrors are set correctly, test it out in a parking lot or other location where you can safely and slowly pull up to a car. Test your mirrors—you should always be able to see the car—it should move from your rear view mirror to your driver’s side or passenger’s side mirror with no break until you can spot it with your peripheral vision.