No matter what you spend or how you set your car up; there will always be a blind spot. To correct: turn your freaking melon.

I honestly don't see the point in "worried about the notorious "blind spot." Most people demonstrate they were never taught about it; or turn signals for that matter...

I've been preaching this for years. The only ones who have NOT had accidents are the ones who listened, and changed their mirrors like this.

Thanks for the video!

Its good to set up your mirrors like this, because it definitely helps, but you should still take the time to turn your head and see what is there. Too often people simply look in the mirror, and change lanes. That doesnt work on a 3 lane highway, for example. If you are in the far right lane, and there is a driver in the far left lane, and both of you change lanes (into the middle lane) at the same time, you can look in your mirror all day long, and you are still going to crash into each other....

And use your damn turn signal!!!! How lazy do you have to be to not use it. Turn signals can prevent accidents, especially in the scenario that I mentioned up above. I cant tell you how many times I avoided an accident, because someone put on there turn signal, and I had enough time to react, to prevent them "running me over" while they came into my lane (without looking). Had they not used the turn signal, I wouldnt have been able to react, and they would have hit me

Youre retarted this is the worst idea ever. This is a thousand times harder than just turning your god damn head.

Turn your head and miss what is going on in front of you. This mirror setting works. I have used it for years and to think that it is the "worst idea ever" is to have your head in the sand. It really works and it is safe.

Try this in an Aztek. Owned one for 5 yrs. Still can't see in or out of the damned thing, no matter what you do. It may work for a real car (non GM) though. What kills me is that I traded in a Sable 6 Twin cam for this POS. I will only buy Jap cars from now on. No more big 3 for me...

This is good if you are standing still. If you are in motion in a highway, another car may be running the same speed that you are, especially if the other car is trailing diagonally behind the rear panel of your car (which is the blind spot you just creted by adjusting the mirrors the way you did).

It works. Been doing this for years, and taught my 3 daughter to too. None have had accidents. Oh, and two of them race cars too where you don't have time to "turn your goddamn head". In heavy traffic turning your goddamn head and looking away is he worst idea ever. The problem is that for most drivers traffic doesn't EXIST outside their peripheral vision until they think about changing lanes. With the mirrors aimed correctly and USING them every few seconds (yes, a glance every few seconds) to keep track of what's around you, you'll keep out of trouble. People need to take their driving seriously.

I have always set my mirrors up so that I could eliminate the blind spot. Yet, I still look over my shoulder as taught.

Clue, if you can see the back of your car when you normally look into your sideview mirrors, they are set wrong and you have left a giant blind spot. I heard how to set my mirrors on Click and Clack one day, tried it and at first it sort of freaked me out, but I tested it several times, and yep, I can see everyone all the time. You do have to turn your head to look at traffic directly next to you, but otherwise, you can see everyone.

I have always set my rear and side view mirrors to cover all the blind spots. That's the reason side view mirrors were installed in the first place. Never had a problem using these tools as they were designed to be used.

The first poster is totally wrong. You absolutely can eliminate blind spots by adjusting your mirrors this way. The best way to arrange them is to first lean your head as close to the driver's window as you can get, then adjust the left mirror to where you can just see the back of your car. Then lean over as far to the right as you can get while remaining in your seat and do the same with the right mirror. True, it is somewhat hard to get used to, but after a few weeks you'll be fine.

I have actually ran into a very large pole in a parking lot, tearing off my mirror, and had to replace my driver side door, due to a blind spot. they do actually exist.

My wife and I have been argueing about this for years.

There is a reason why they are called side view mirrors. They should show you what is beside you....not what's behind you. That is what the....wait for it....rear view mirror is for.

If you set your mirrors up like this then you will be able to see what is beside you.

With that said, I still turn my head...just to b sure.

turn your freaken head MORONS!!!

yea!!!

Glad to see someone else who does not see any
point in using the outside mirrors to look at the
paint on the side of the car.

All you drivers out there pay attention, heed the
call for safe driving. I know it makes you all
fuzzy, warm and comfy to see the side of your
car, but...... you're living dangerously.
get out of your present comfort zone and see
what's in your danger zone for a change.

drboy is dangerously wrong. I have been driving over 30K miles per year for 35 years. Yes, I'm old. But I have had zero accidents. Zero. You HAVE TO TURN YOUR HEAD and not see what is directly ahead of you for a second or two. Even when merging, you could miss an 18-wheeler, unless you glance back over your shoulder. Yes the mirrors must be set up right. But you must glance. Whenever I am passing someone, I know when I am in their blind spot and anticipate them swerving into me. It's called defensive driving. It works.

wow all this fuss over nothing. set your mirrors up where YOU are comfortable with them and turn your head. if your conscience of your "blind spots" and are aware of traffic everyone would be alright.its idiots that overthink how mirrors should be set up that cause accidents. the most important thing is to be aware of traffic know where you are and know where your fellow drivers are. oh and watch out for teens and handicapp signs there a good indication that the people driving are not fully aware.

As a professional driver with over 40 yrs exp of driving I can tell you that what the young man says is true. You do need to pay attention to your surroundings when you drive, keep you eyes moving so that you don't fixate on just the road ahead. The eyes are set up to see up to 180 degrees ( those that disagree hold you arms at shoulder level look straight ahead and wiggle your fingers you eyes will detect movement ) so by shifting your eyes you will be able to see any cars beside you, this is called seeing the big picture which is knowing what is behind you on your left or right and in front, Drive safe!!

Put the cell phone away and turn your dumb bucket and look.

Part of teaching people about blind spots is to teach them to NOT drive in your blind spot if traffic allows. I feel uncomfortable when I am in someones blind spot and realize that many are oblivious to blind spot.

This sounds like a fine idea for people who NEVER drive with anyone in the back seat. Depending on what kind of car you drive, passengers' heads can severely restrict your view through your rear view mirror. You have to depend on your side mirrors to see behind you.

Personally, I find that if I lean forward before I change lanes, I can see cars in my side mirrors that had been in my blind spot when I was sitting in my normal position.

Part of teaching people about blind spots is to teach them to NOT drive in your blind spot if traffic allows. I feel uncomfortable when I am in someones blind spot and realize that many are oblivious to blind spot.

Hey you guys...there are blind spots in every car..my daughter's pt cruisor has huge blind spots in the back where the windows meet but there is almost a foot of vinyl between the rear window and the back seat window..also around the front side windows same thing...my little toyota is much easier to see out of...but my mirrors aren't automatic so I have to constantly adjust them...and yes I still glance back just to be sure and it's saved my butt a few times...and yes for god's sake use your turn signals..I had a boyfriend who would never use them..then yell at people for not letting him over...duh

Duh,

This helps, but in most vehicles you need to TURN YOUR HEAD.

Also, if the federal governement in the USWA weren't shuch dumb asses, we would have other safety items like European E-Code Head lights and the outer 1" of your side view mirros would be asherical - like the ones thy have on cars in the European Union (EU) - these work and I put some in my VW Jetta that I bought off of tdiparts.com They are worth $70 for each side of my car!

Okay, so I watched the video, and immediately noted a problem with this kid's idea; the "markers" he is using to adjust his mirror are back and a bit off to the side of his car...which means that someone/something (such as a motorcycle) that is just off his rear bumper and just off to the side will be in....what's it called?...oh, yeah! A BLIND SPOT! People just need to quit being lazy and learn to turn their heads.

As for taking your eyes off the road in front of you...guess what? If you're taking the time to actually focus on your side view mirrors, you're doing the same thing. Sure, the front is still in your periphery, but as it's not in your primary point of view, your reaction speed will still be severely diminished. This is why you should only "glance" at your side view...just as you should be "glancing" at your blind spot before changing lanes.

One small note: Class A driver...I tried your trick with the wiggling of my fingers, and I could not see both of them at the same time. Sorry....though I do agree with the rest of your post.

One should always maintain an awareness of one's surroundings while driving (or at any other time, for that matter)...ahead, to the sides, and behind you. I, personally, like not only to keep an eye on the car ahead of me, but also several car lengths ahead of it; this has allowed me to avoid an accident on more than one occasion.

Dude this is an old trick to reduce overlap that most pple know. This help to some extend, but there is still going to be a blind spot.

Why would anyone (other than big government) waste money on a study to see if blind spots really exist? That's like asking if air or water really exist. However.... There HAS been a solution for the blind spot for years. Simply attatch blind spot mirrors to BOTH outside mirrors, then learn how to use them.

I have been driving for 30 years and never had an accident (except the ones that were some dumasses fault.) I adjust my mirrors to allow me to scan behind and to the sides for aforementioned dumasses. I look ahead and then take a quick glance when changing lanes just to see who I am going to run over with my jacked up SUV. I keep up a constant scan going with my eyes so that I do not miss an opportunity to prentend changing lanes to scare the crap out of some prius lurking in my blind spot, except when texting, putting on makeup, picking my nose, talking on the cell phone, searching hopelessly for a listenable radio station, skipping comercials, or OH SHIT! The car next to me on the freeway just swerved into my lane!!!! I think he probably had his mirrors adjusted wrong.

I like the Idea of blind spot mirrors. I rigged two up inside my truck so that I can see the text on my cell phone better. It sort of magnifies the screen.

On my 37 foot motorhome,I have 5 mirrors on each side, plus a television camera. None of which are as effective at distracting me and causing me to run into some object or car as my wife in the passenger seat. At least the mirrors and camera do not require muting.

i ENJOYED THIS VIDEO VERY MUCH, BECAUSE IT WAS EXPLAINED VERY CAREFULLY AND IN A CONCISE MANNER.

FOR YOU'RE INFORMATION, THE AARP DRIVING COURSE FOR SENIORS EXPLAINS THE VERY SAME THING.

I HAVE USED THIS METHOD FOR YEARS AND I CAN PERSONALLY ATTEST THAT IT WORKS, JUST AS YOU EXPLAINED. YET THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT STILL LIKE TO SEE THE SIDE FOR THEIR CAR. GO FIGURE.

Yoho yockle!!! typin' with the caps on is like SHOUTING!!!!!!!! Very rude. Unless of course you are a senior and can't see the screen wihtout the caps lock on. Try using one of those magnifying mirrors to see the text.... The caps lock is the button next to the "a" key on your keyboard.
Oh and why is it that only people over 65 drive huge long motorhomes?? Seems some kind of cosmic joke huh???

We respect and honor you as our wise elder... just please stop shouting.

I have driven in Europe for over 35 years. Most cars come equipped with a side view mirror that is actually two mirrors in one. One is designed to see in the "blind spot" while the other is designed to be adjusted as most people do - with the side of the car as a reference point.

At one point it was possible to buy a "Zanetti" mirror as an aftermarket mirror but today, the design is integral to the mirror and can be adjusted electically just as the regular side view mirror on cars in the US can be adjusted.

This eliminates the "blind spot".

I did try your method and found it very helpful while driving on the highway.

My husband and I have been having this argument for years now, even after he backed his truck into a tree (in his favor, the truck had a camper shell on it, and the tree hit exactly in the middle of the backend of the truck).

1) The video was well made and easier to understand, but...

2) I totally agree with Justin (commentor above): you are going to crash into the car next to you, EVEN IF YOU SEE HIM IN YOUR MIRRORS, if he (or she) decides to change lanes at the same time you do.

3) I feel extremely sorry for the little kid who wanders behind your car and is too short to be seen in your rear or side view mirrors. Checking for kids, animals, or anything else, WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT YOUR MIRRORS, should be the 1st thing a driver should do before driving anywhere.

I have the solution for this absolutely, it's an electronic dispositive connevted to the car ignition system who impede wheels rotate and consequently moving the car to the side if there is a huge object on that side. Easy

That was so over simplified and yet totally wrong!

I have been driving in Phoenix AZ. for the last 37 years and have never had an accident. I give most of the credit to the man above,but I have been pro active. I was taught to always use my signals, trust me no one wants to be in an accident. Let people know what you are doing and alot of mishaps can be avoided. Almost every car on the road has signals that are easy to use. I will try this new mirror thing and see if it works. I've always depended on my neck,but I'm getting older. LOL

Each post and comments are useful tips for safe driving but I recommend and reckon using mirrors, indicators(lights) and glancing before changing lanes or turning - these actions help whether your driving on the right side (left hand drive) or driving on the left (right hand drive as in British Commonwealth countries). There are blind spots and on the road or at home reversing frm your driveway/garage/carport, use all aids to prevent accidents and save lives.

Fifty four years of driving experience has convinced me that glancing over my left shoulder is essential to eliminating "the blind spot". Adjusting and using the mirrors as described here is fine, and will eliminate any other potential blind spots.
Multiple drivers of one car is often the cause of blind spots.
As for you older drivers, daily neck exercises are a must for staying safe while driving.

I will always still look,it is a habit worth keeping.

I can't speak for every car on the road, but for every car and truck I've ever driven you can eliminate blind spots by adjusting the mirrors this way. No one suggested that you shouldn't also turn to look when changing lanes or backing up, but it's just ridiculous to have your mirrors set so that half the mirror is filled with your car.

One problem with relying ONLY on turning your head is that it only provides you with information when YOU are changing lanes. If someone else is changing lanes behind you while you're looking straight ahead, you won't see them. If you have your mirrors set like in the video, you'll see the other guy sooner.

I have been using this mirror trick for about a year now and I love it. If done right you can watch a car move from your rear-view to your side mirror, then into your peripheral vision out of your windows without losing sight of it at any time. If you are paying attention, you can always know what cars are around you at all times on a road with two lanes driving in the same direction. I can always see any vehicle driving in the lane beside me no matter where they are.

However, whenever there are more than two driving lanes in one direction, you really do have to look to make sure someone is not coming from the farthest lane into the middle just as you are.

Basically, this tip will greatly help you become aware of what cars are around you, but nothing can keep you safe if you are being a lazy or stupid driver.

2for2true above is absolutely correct. I received information pamphlets from my insurer with my bill (love the pamphlets, hate the bill). The tip to lean to your window to set the driver's side view mirror and to the middle to set your passenger side view mirror is bang on, does the same as what the video is suggesting and is much simpler. Once you get use to setting your mirrors like this, you will have it no other way. Obviously, this does not take the place of checking your blind spots, but it hugely increases your view around you giving you a huge advantage while driving.

There is always the driver who enters your right side blind spot from two lanes over even when you have your right turn signal on and in the process of changing lanes. I guess they believe I was there first so you can't change lanes without hitting me.

I didn't notice anywhere in the video them telling you NOT to shoulder check when YOU are changing lanes. That is still obviously something you need to do. It's just explaining how you can keep on eye on what everyone around you is doing while you are in the lane that you are travelling in.
Makes sense to me!

I didn't notice anywhere in the video them telling you NOT to shoulder check when YOU are changing lanes. That is still obviously something you need to do. It's just explaining how you can keep on eye on what everyone around you is doing while you are in the lane that you are travelling in.
Makes sense to me!

Great comment Rebecca. You are right on target. Adjusting the mirrors like this helps give you more information about what's going on around you. No one ever said you shouldn't look over your shoulder when changing lanes.

Thanks, you are cute!

I always buy the little convex circle mirrors and paste them in the best spot on the sideview mirrors!
Works for me!!

I drive a Ford F-150... Some years ago I removed my rear view mirror and installed one that attaches to the top rail of the windshield. It's a series of staggered mirrors, about three feet long, that totally covers an eight lane highway as well as giving me the same view I have from both side mirrors. I can still see a vehicle in that mirror as its hood comes even with my front wheels. No "blind spots", and no need for me to take my attention away from the road ahead. I recommend this type mirror to everyone; they can be found at any parts store.

Drive safe!

To properly adjust your mirrors.
1: Adjust the center mirror so that you can see directly behind the vehicle, and up enough to show whats following at a slight distance.
2: Adjust the right mirror by slightly leaning to the right and setting it to where you can just see your rear quarter panel. (the side of the vehicle).
3: Adjust the drivers side mirror by leaning your head to the left until it almost touches the window. Then move the mirror until you can barely see your left quarter panel.
Now, when you sit in a normal position, you should be able to see a vehicle appear in your side mirror, just as the rear of it leaves the rearview mirror. This also gives you a wider field of view.

The major blind spot now in vehicles is the cell phone. And you can also add def and dumb that expands that blind spot.

uhhh....all you got to do is shift yourself forward somewhat when changing lanes, and you'll see what's in the "blindspot" that or move your damn head....honestly.

So, the little HOMO learned what he thinks is a cute little trick so his lazy ass doesn't have to turn his head. They've been making cars for about a century now and his arrogant ass thinks his 3 months experience means something ?? Go play another video game punk..............

The announcer has a real good voice.

Why are you "Head Turners" so angry? It's only
information; TAKE it or LEAVE it. Wow! "ROAD RAGE"
on the internet, or is it just; "don't tell me
how to drive" RAAAAAGGGGGGGEEEEEE.

Sammy,

This information has been around for about as long as they've had side mirrors too. He just put it on a video to try to spread the information to some of the people who obviously had never been trained on how to adjust their mirrors properly. That doesn't make him a lazy arrogant homo punk.

The first poster is totally wrong. You absolutely can eliminate blind spots by adjusting your mirrors this way.
Posted by: 2for2true at August 19, 2009 4:04 PM
---------------------------------------------------
I've been in the Navy and Fleet Marine force for 14 years now. I've taken civilian and military defensive driving courses and have driven in some of the most dangerous traffic in the world. I can go on all day about situational awareness, spacial disorientation, focal vision and ambient vision; but adjusting your mirrors a certain away to avoid the simple process of turning your head and moving your eyes is out-right foolish for obvious reasons. Never been in a accident(knock on wood) and there are two simple keys to my driving success: keep the head and eyes moving and slow down.
-The first poster.

The first poster is totally wrong. You absolutely can eliminate blind spots by adjusting your mirrors this way.
Posted by: 2for2true at August 19, 2009 4:04 PM
-----------------------------------------------
I've been in the Navy and Fleet Marine force for 14 years now. I've taken civilian and military defensive driving courses and have driven in some of the most dangerous traffic in the world. I can go on all day about situational awareness, spacial disorientation, focal vision and ambient vision; but adjusting your mirrors a certain away to avoid the simple process of turning your head and moving your eyes is out-right foolish for obvious reasons. Never been in a accident(knock on wood) and there are two simple keys to my driving success: keep the head and eyes moving and slow down.
-The first poster.

The only way to get rid of blind spot is to use spot mirrors. Put spot mirros on your side mirrors. For the people that say turn your head. Why have mirrors at all. turn your head

Mark (first poster):

No one said that you should adjust your mirrors to "avoid the simple process of turning your head". (OK-drboy kind of insinuated that, but he's the only one that came close).

Everyone else can be divided into two categories:

1) Those that think that it's stupid to adjust your mirrors to eliminate the blind spot. (The TURN YOUR HEAD!! group.)

2) Those that think it's a good idea to adjust your mirrors to eliminate the blind spot AND you should turn your head when changing lanes.

When driving it's always a better idea to have more information rather than having less. Setting your mirrors like this gives you a little more information before you "turn your freaking melon". What's wrong with that?

It's always better to have more information so why not put the little round spot mirrors on your vehicles. Look at an 18 wheeler or school bus they have spot mirrors. When you adjust the mirrors the way driverboy does you need to sit in the same postion for that to even come close to work. Do not lean to the side or back. "turn your freaking melon" and take your eyes off the road.

Lee,

Not really sure what you mean when you say that you "need to sit in the same position for that to even come close to work". What are you saying doesn't work?

Also, I wasn't sure if you were being instructive or sarcastic in your last sentence. Are you in favor of people checking over their shoulder before changing lanes or not?

I was sarcastic, sorry. Not in favor. The blind spot is to the left and right of the vehicle and spot mirrors will get rid if this. If you don't have spot mirrors on your vehicle you should not be talking about blind spots. They realy do work. It should be the law that all vehicle have spots mirrors. I give them away free to people. Lee