Road accidents can happen if you neglect the blind spots when driving. As a driver, you need to identify the blind spots to avoid any untoward incident.
What is a blind spot?
For the uninitiated, a blind spot is an area where a driver’s view is obstructed when driving.
In other words, a blind spot cannot be directly seen by the driver. Most vehicles have a vehicle blind spot, except for bicycles and motorcycles.
Nevertheless, bicycles and motorcycles – especially motorcycles – are often victims of accidents due to other vehicles. They become victims as they cannot be seen by other vehicles when they are within other vehicles’ blind spots.
Where are the blind spots when driving?
Typically, the blind spots of a driver are the areas next to the front and rear doors.
However, note that the obstructed areas may vary based on the vehicle type, design and size. The vehicle type, design and size may obstruct the driver’s view through the side mirrors, rearview mirror or vehicle camera.
The dimension and driver’s position from the steering wheel may also affect the size and position of the blind spot. Bigger and taller vehicles such as trucks, buses or vans have wider obstructed areas.
How to overcome blind spots when driving?
Most vehicle manufacturers today have considered the obstructed areas that their customers experience. As such, renowned car manufacturers have begun to offer new features that can overcome blind spots while driving.
Nevertheless, as a driver, you should remain cautious and perform several steps as follows to overcome blind spots:
Adjust the side mirrors
Side mirrors are crucial in reducing blind spots when driving. Therefore, you must adjust the side mirrors accordingly.
Install blind-spot mirrors
Side mirrors alone may sometimes be insufficient to overcome blind spots. Therefore, you can install a small mirror to reduce the blind spots. The most precise area to install this small mirror is at the top or bottom of the interior of your side mirrors.
Observe the surrounding of your car
Before changing lanes, slightly turn left or right to ensure that there are no other vehicles near you so you can change lanes safely.
Drive in an open zone
Avoid driving between vehicles – especially heavy vehicles – within a close distance. Doing so is highly dangerous as you risk being crushed by two vehicles at once.
Use the turn signal
Before changing lanes or directions, switch on your signal lights to signal other drivers to give way to you.
Keep a safe distance
You must keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially the heavy ones such as lorries, buses and trailers. This is to avoid your car from being in the vehicles’ blind spot.
Ensure that your vehicle is at least 10 meters from the vehicle in front so the driver can see your car movements.
Do not overtake on the left
Do not overtake on the left, as it will be difficult for the driver on the right to see you.
Beware when driving
Please be aware of the obstructed areas when you drive. The areas can risk your life as they are obstructed, therefore, limiting your view.
As a responsible driver, ensure that you know the blind spots when driving and how to overcome them to avoid accidents.
Bjak is one of Malaysia’s biggest insurance comparison sites, offering 15 insurance brands. Get free car insurance quotes at Bjak.my and renew your insurance and roadtax in just 5 minutes.
