Summary:
A blind spot mirror is a small convex mirror that attaches to your vehicle’s side view mirrors. They significantly expand a driver’s field of vision and help reduce blind spots. As a result, they greatly enhance safety by offering a clearer view of adjacent lanes, especially when changing lanes or merging into traffic.
There are several types of blind spot mirrors to consider:
- Stick-On: These are the most common kind of mirror and affordable, attaching easily with adhesive.
- Clip-On: Designed to clip onto mirror edges, they offer better durability and less risk of falling off.
- Rearview: Installed over interior rearview mirrors, they offer a wider angle but can be mildly distracting.
- Window-Mounted: Ideal for towing, these attach with suction or brackets to the exterior glass.
- Integrated: Built into many modern SUVs and trucks, they enhance factory safety features.
Before adjusting your blind spot mirrors, be sure to properly set your seat. Then, adjust the mirrors so they cover the areas your regular mirrors don’t. To confirm full visibility, have someone walk around your vehicle while you check the mirrors.
While blind spot mirrors offer excellent visibility, they do not eliminate the need for shoulder checks. Furthermore, though not legally required in the U.S., they are highly recommended, especially for larger or older vehicles lacking built-in monitoring systems.
Ultimately, studies confirm their effectiveness in reducing accidents, making them a worthwhile, low-cost upgrade for nearly any vehicle.
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