How to Use Your Mirrors
A Canadian Direct Insurance Claim:
A Canadian Direct customer called us to report that he was just involved in an accident with his van. Coming home from work, he was merging onto Highway 1 to go westbound. A vehicle in front of him stopped while merging, and then started again to go. The customer looked over his shoulder to see if he too could go forward. He saw it was clear, so he pulled forward. Unfortunately, the vehicle was still stopped in front of him. He hit the vehicle very hard and there is lots of damage to front end of his van. His van had to be towed. There were thankfully no injuries to anyone.
Could This Accident Have Been Avoided?
This type of collision happens far too often. Why? Mostly because many drivers do not adjust their side mirrors properly. This results in the driver having to turn and look back over their shoulder, meaning they have taken their eyes off the road and vehicles directly in front.
If you use the method suggested in the previous article to set your side mirrors, you will not have to turn your head so far as to not be able to keep a view to the front as well. But, if you are like many drivers who set their side mirrors so that you can just see the side of your own vehicle, you are asking for trouble. When changing lanes or entering a freeway, you will probably have to turn your head so far when making a shoulder check, that you will not be able to see directly in front of you. And that leads to many rear-enders.
If you adjust your side mirrors so that you cannot see the side of your own car unless you lean your head in that direction (see the previous article for details), you will no longer have to shoulder check when merging onto a highway. Instead, you will "shoulder peek." The difference may be subtle, but it means always having a view of the vehicles in front of you.
While on the subject of mirror use, most driving experts will tell you to check your mirrors every 5 to 7 seconds. Although this is a good, basic guideline, sometimes it's too often, and sometimes it's not enough.
You should check your mirrors often enough to always know what is around you at all times - behind and to the sides. Sometimes that means checking every 5 to 7 seconds, sometimes less, sometimes more.
The key is to get used to using the mirrors, so that you don't actually have to turn directly towards them and look into them. Instead, it is just a quick glance, mostly using your peripheral vision. In fact, if you adjust and use your mirrors properly, you will notice most vehicles around you in your peripheral vision.
Your mirrors are a great safety benefit. If you use them properly, you will always know if you have an "escape route" on either side to avoid a collision in front of you. If you check them often enough, you will note other vehicles following too closely and be able to adjust your driving to suit. You will also notice if you are holding up another vehicle behind you, and can move over to let them by.
In fact, it is just as important to know what is behind and beside you as it is to know what's in front of you.
We all need to remind ourselves to check the mirrors - constantly. The next time you get behind the wheel, make sure you have the side mirrors adjusted properly. Then, practise checking all your mirrors every 5 to 7 seconds. Guaranteed, it will make you feel more confident - and safer - in heavy traffic.
With the mirrors adjusted properly (including the right side mirror - something that every car should have!), you should have a 360 degree view all around it, and be able to keep track of all the traffic around you at all times. Another vehicle should never surprise you by "coming out of nowhere".
But this is a skill that takes some practice. Don't allow yourself to get into the "tunnel vision" mode. Keep your head up, look as far down the road as possible, and use your peripheral vision. Look for the "big picture". Don't focus on one single thing. Keep your eyes moving. Think about keeping track of everyone around you.
Make a game of it. Your goal is to know where everyone around you is at all times - to never be surprised by anyone.
As you pass someone, keep track of them in your peripheral vision and mirrors. As someone comes up from behind to pass, make note of them until they are out of sight. Learn to recognise any slight movement in the mirrors and track other vehicles and objects around you. Make this "game" your next driving challenge. And have fun with it.