When driving, your side and rearview mirrors provide a good road view. However, when it comes to the rear of your vehicle, there’s usually an area that’s not visible in the mirror. This part is called the blind spot and can easily lead to an accident. Although the best auto accident lawyers in Atlanta can help you seek compensation if an auto accident occurs, it’s best to avoid a car’s blind spot.
The size of a blind spot usually varies by the driving position and the type of vehicle. However, if you look over your shoulder while driving, you might spot a car that’s not visible in your mirrors. Despite their subtlety, you can avoid blind spots if you know how to look for them and what they are. This article explains what it means to drive in a car’s blind spot.
Where Are a Car’s Blind Spots?
The side mirrors are angled in a way that you see directly behind your vehicle on either side. This provides drivers with a cone of backward vision when utilized with their rearview mirror. You can easily see forward at a 180-degree angle connecting your side mirrors when you take quick side glances.
Now, between these two areas, there’s at least a 50-degree angle of concealed space on both sides of the car; you can’t see through the side mirrors. So within these small areas, it’s pretty easy to lose sight of a motorcycle or a person. So when you drive within these areas, you’re in a car’s blind spot.
A clear example is when driving on a three-lane road. You won’t be able to see vehicles on the left and right sides of the road that is half of a car’s length behind you. This is because the side and rearview mirrors show cars further behind you.
To avoid being in a car’s blind spot, you must drive further behind them so that their mirrors can pick your vehicle up. You can also note cars in your blind spot on the road by doing a head check. This means turning your head and neck to look over your shoulders before turning or switching lanes.
Why Are Blind Spots Dangerous?
The main reason blind spots are dangerous is that you don’t see other vehicles on the road, especially when you’re trying to change lanes. If you don’t know that other motorists are coming up behind you, you could cut them off and cause an accident.
If an accident occurs because you were driving in a car’s blind spot, the best auto accident lawyers in Atlanta might not be able to get you maximum compensation if the driver claims you were in their blind spot. Additionally, blind spots are typically dangerous in clear weather conditions.
However, the risk becomes higher when driving at night or in the rain. It increases the chance of an accident, and you can sustain severe injuries like traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, etc.
What Are Driving Blind Spots?
When driving, it’s essential to take note of different blind spots and how to avoid them. Note that blind spots are areas that you can’t see when facing forward in your car, and it’s always the same for the driver in front of you. Below are driving blind spots you should avoid while on the road.
- Diagonally Behind the Car: The rear view and side mirrors allow a driver to see further behind them. However, you’ll be hidden from their view when you’re close to the vehicle. An example is being next to them in a lane.
- Diagonally in front of a Car: The framework of a car, like the A-pillars on either side of the windscreen, can also obstruct a driver’s vision. This could make it difficult for them to spot you if you’re diagonally in front of them.
How to Avoid a Car’s Blind Spot
Blind spots are dangerous, and it’s even riskier to be in other vehicles’ blind spots. As a responsible driver, you must be mindful and avoid blind spots because other drivers cannot see you when you’re in their blind spot. Although they’re inevitable, the tips below will help you diligently avoid them and the risks associated with the blind spots.
Use Flash Lights
Flashlights work both ways when a car is in your blind spot, or you’re in a car’s blind spot. Although it doesn’t eliminate being in a blind spot, it minimizes the risks of being in one.
Using your flashlights informs the vehicle in front of you of your presence behind them, especially when they want to change lanes or make a turn. Alternatively, you can honk to inform the vehicle of your intentions to pass them. This action allows them to slow down to allow for movement.
Make Sure You Can See Their Mirrors
Large vehicles usually come with more prominent blind spots than passenger cars. Most times, they have signs at the back highlighting this, and you should take note of that. Therefore, to avoid driving in their blind spot, you should always ensure you can see their mirror. This is because if you can’t see their mirrors, they can’t see you either.
Additionally, ensure there’s always enough room before you overtake these vehicles. Doing this ensures you’re not stuck driving behind these larger vehicles in their blind spot.
Don’t Stay in a Blind Spot for Too Long
One of the best ways to avoid an accident is by avoiding staying in blind spots for too long. When accidents involving blind spots occur, you would require representation by the best auto accident lawyers in Atlanta to seek compensation for injuries. Sometimes, blind spots are inevitable, but you should avoid driving in a blind spot for extended periods.
Staying in a car’s blind spot makes you more vulnerable, especially with drivers that might forget you’re there or didn’t check their blind spots. Additionally, when the car in front uses its turn indicator to signal a turn, ensure you slow down so you can become visible in their mirrors.
The Best Auto Accident Lawyers in Atlanta Can Help
Driving in a car’s blind spots can be a serious safety risk. However, it’s inevitable in some cases, and that’s why the tips shared above are crucial to keep you safe.
It’s essential to ensure you can always see their mirrors and flash your lights to inform them of your presence. However, suppose an accident occurs, and you are driving in the car’s blind spot. In that case, it can be challenging to prove fault without the help of personal injury attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia.
Our auto accident lawyers understand the dangers and implications of driving in a car’s blind spot. But, unfortunately, the other driver might claim you’re at fault for the accident to avoid compensation for your injuries.
Our personal injury attorneys in Atlanta, Georgia, are excellent negotiators and will ensure you or your loved one get maximum compensation for damages. Reach out to our lawyers today to find out how we can help you.
