Reveal Hidden Dangers: How to Check Blind Spots When Driving in 2024

By Amir

Reveal Hidden Dangers: How to Check Blind Spots When Driving in 2024

A blind spot is any area around your vehicle that your mirrors can’t cover. One common mistake students make is assuming that checking their mirrors alone is sufficient to spot all surrounding vehicles, but this can lead to dangerous situations. Knowing how to properly check your blind spots is a critical skill for both passing your road test and staying safe on the road.

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about checking blind spots while driving, including step-by-step instructions and key situations when blind spot checks are especially important.

Table of Contents

Reveal Hidden Dangers: How to Check Blind Spots When Driving in 2024

What Is a Blind Spot?

A blind spot is an area around your car that isn’t visible through your rearview or side mirrors. Every vehicle has blind spots, and they can vary in size depending on the car’s make and model. These spots are particularly dangerous because other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians can enter them without being seen.

Two primary blind spots exist in most vehicles:

Diagonally Behind You: The area next to and slightly behind your car where other vehicles can be hidden.
Diagonally in Front: The area blocked by the car's bodywork, especially the A-pillars on either side of the windshield, which can obstruct your view at intersections.

Understanding and checking these areas is essential to avoiding collisions and ensuring safe driving.

How to Check Blind Spots

Checking your blind spots involves more than just a quick glance at your mirrors. It requires turning your head slightly to get a better view of the areas your mirrors can’t cover. Here’s how to do it properly:

Look at Your Mirrors: First, check your rearview and side mirrors for any traffic behind or beside you.
Look Over Your Shoulder: Turn your head to the left or right, depending on the direction you’re planning to move. A quick glance over your shoulder will reveal what’s in your blind spot.
Look Out the Window: Use your side windows to double-check for any obstructions before moving.

It's important to note that while checking blind spots, your attention should remain focused on the direction you're driving. Avoid turning your whole body to check your blind spots, as this can cause you to lose focus on the road ahead.

With practice, checking your blind spots will become second nature, seamlessly integrating into your driving routine.

Key Situations to Check Your Blind Spots

There are several driving scenarios where checking your blind spots is absolutely necessary. Here are a few key moments:

1. Moving Off

Before pulling away from a parked position, you must check in all directions. Follow this pattern:

Over your left shoulder
Left-wing mirror
Rearview mirror
Right-wing mirror
Over your right shoulder

This ensures you have a complete view of the surrounding area before starting to drive.

2. After an Emergency Stop

During an emergency stop, you might not have time to check your rearview mirror. Before moving again, ensure that you’ve thoroughly checked your blind spots and mirrors for any approaching vehicles or obstacles.

3. After Being Stuck in Traffic

When you're stopped in traffic, check your mirrors before moving forward. You don't need to check over your shoulder, but it's essential to be aware of motorcyclists or cyclists who may have moved into your blind spot while you were stationary.

4. At Junctions

When approaching a junction, your view can be blocked by the A-pillars of your car. To avoid missing any vehicles, follow these steps:

Slow down as you approach the junction.
Tilt your head slightly forward to see beyond the pillars.
Look left and right at least twice before proceeding, allowing enough time to spot approaching vehicles.

5. Changing Lanes

Whenever you're changing lanes or merging into traffic, it's vital to check your blind spots. Here’s how to do it:

First, check your rearview mirror to see if any vehicles are behind you.
Check the relevant wing mirror (left for left lane changes, right for right).
Finally, look over your shoulder in the direction you’re moving to make sure the lane is clear.

Following this process ensures that your blind spots are covered, allowing you to change lanes safely.

When to Check Your Blind Spots

You should always be aware of your surroundings when driving, and regular mirror checks are essential for maintaining situational awareness. However, there are specific times when checking your blind spots becomes crucial:

Before Moving Off: Check that you aren’t pulling out in front of another car or cyclist.
Before Changing Lanes: A vehicle or cyclist may have moved into your blind spot as you prepare to pass or switch lanes.
When Approaching Multi-Lane Roads: Drivers in adjacent lanes may be merging into your lane, so checking blind spots ensures you won’t collide with them.
Before Making a Turn: Always check your blind spot before turning, particularly if you’ve passed a cyclist, as they may be continuing straight while you turn.
At Intersections and Crossroads: Your A-pillars may obscure approaching vehicles, so always check blind spots before proceeding.

How Often Should You Check Your Blind Spots?

To ensure maximum safety on the road, get into the habit of checking your mirrors regularly about every 5 to 8 seconds. This keeps you informed of what's happening around your vehicle. In addition, check your mirrors:

Before braking or slowing down.
Before turning or changing lanes.
When merging into or exiting the curb lane.

Checking your mirrors and blind spots frequently will help you anticipate potential hazards and make safer driving decisions.

Can You Lean Forward to Check Your Blind Spot?

Yes, leaning forward slightly can help you get a better view of your blind spots, especially those obstructed by your vehicle’s A-pillars. While this can be an effective technique, it should be combined with proper mirror use and shoulder checks to fully ensure your safety when changing lanes or turning.

Do You Need to Check Blind Spots Every Time You Turn?

Absolutely. Checking your blind spot is a key part of turning safely. Whether you’re making a right or left turn or switching lanes, you should always check your blind spot to ensure that no vehicles or cyclists are in your path.

How Often Should You Check Blind Spots?

It’s important to check your blind spots at least every 5 to 8 seconds when driving in traffic, and before making any significant maneuvers like lane changes or turns. Regularly checking mirrors and blind spots will keep you aware of any changes in your surroundings and help prevent accidents.

Final Thoughts

While checking blind spots might feel awkward at first, it will soon become a natural part of your driving routine. Remember, it’s essential to remain focused on the road while quickly glancing at your mirrors and over your shoulder.

At Drive Rite Academy, we offer comprehensive driving lessons to help you master blind spot checks and all the skills you need for safe driving. Our experienced instructors will guide you through real-world scenarios to ensure you’re fully prepared for the road.

Reveal Hidden Dangers: How to Check Blind Spots When Driving in 2024