Blind Spots

Beyond the Surface: Recognizing and Addressing Blind Spots

 

Don’t let blind spots be a roadblock. Master the skill of driving in those unseen corners and gain the confidence to handle any situation on your journey. Let’s face it! It’s very easy to adapt to bad driving habits. Although most of us may have started driving carefully while following all the rules and regulations, at some point, we may have picked bad driving habits that we may not even be aware of. These bad habits can lead to severe accidents and even death in some cases.

In this article, we will discuss some of the bad driving skills you need to avoid, including blind spots. Along with this, the tips to avoid those habits and some other important driving stuff will also be discussed. 

Common Driving Mistakes

Before discussing blind spots, let’s discuss some of the common mistakes drivers make while driving. 

  • Overspeeding 
  • Road rage 
  • Not maintaining a safe distance.
  • Driving too slow
  • Not giving indicators
  • Applying brakes too much
  • Ignoring the rules of a four-way stop
  • Not checking your blind spots.
  • Ignoring side mirrors

Driving Tips You Need To Follow

After having a general overview of safe driving practices, we will discuss the topic of it. These are basically hidden challenges that the driver needs to be aware of. Some of the driving tips that can keep you safe are as follows:

  • You need to reposition your side mirrors and continuously look into them. Make sure that you can see through them clearly.
  • Always use your turn signal to tell others, including bikers and pedestrians, that you’re going to turn or change lanes.  
  • Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you so that you have enough space and time in case you have to apply sudden brakes.
  • When changing lanes, beware of other drivers and merge with caution. Make sure to look into side mirrors.
  • The first car to stop at an intersection goes first. If two cars get there together and face each other, the one turning left should wait for the other. If they arrive side by side, the one on the right goes first.
  • Don’t drive too slow or too fast. Maintain a normal speed so that you are not a hindrance to other drivers. 
  • Beware of your blind spots before making a turn. Know where it are so that you are prepared before changing lanes.
  • Don’t apply brakes too often, and pay attention to the road.

What Are Blind Spots? 

After having a general discussion, let’s come to the main topic. So, what are blind spots? A blind spot is an area around a car that can’t be seen by the driver. It’s basically the area that is not visible to the driver when he looks into the side mirrors. It are mostly on the rear left and right sides of the vehicle. 

Understanding what blind spots are and how to avoid them is crucial for safe driving. These are unseen perspectives that can’t be seen in the mirrors, due to which drivers need to take extra precautions. 

If you are a learner driver, you need to ask your instructor about it. Your instructors can help you and guide you in improving your driving skills. This will help beginner drivers avoid being caught off guard. However, understanding it and self-awareness is necessary for being a responsible driver.   

Why are Blind Spots Dangerous?

Blind spots pose a serious danger as they are difficult to be seen. If the driver is not aware of them they can lead to serious collisions. These are more dangerous for beginner drivers who don’t have enough experience. Blind spots are dangerous because:

  • Blind spots hide vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians from the driver’s view.
  • Awareness of blind spots is crucial to avoid accidents and make safe driving decisions.
  • Lack of visibility can lead to collisions or accidents.
  • Sudden collisions or cutting off other vehicles can occur.
  • Drivers may make incorrect decisions, like changing lanes without checking blind spots.
  • Changing lanes without checking blind spots can lead to collisions with unseen vehicles.
  • Failing to check it while reversing may result in accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists.
  • Blind spots can cause accidents if drivers are unaware and don’t take precautions.
  • Checking blind spots is crucial to avoid collisions and ensure the safety of other road users.

How To Check Blind Spots?

Now let’s discuss some of the tips that can help you check it and save you from severe accidents:

  • Regularly check your mirrors to have a clear view of your vehicle.
  • Use the Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre technique:
    • Check mirrors for a complete view.
    • Signal your intention to others.
    • Glance over your shoulder to check.
    • Manoeuvre safely when clear.
  • Use your turn signal when changing lanes.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • A shoulder check is a quick way to check it. Before changing lanes, look over your shoulder in the direction you’re moving for a clearer view.

Conclusion

In the journey of safe driving, understanding and avoiding it is essential. Safe driving is basically a journey of personal growth, a path illuminated by mindful vision. From beginner to experienced drivers, common mistakes made by drivers include overspeeding, road rage, and neglecting indicators is vital. It located on the rear sides of the vehicle demand special attention as they hide potential hazards. 

For beginners, seeking guidance on blind spots is crucial. Understanding it is about developing the mental awareness to perceive beyond the obvious. Remember, consciousness is the main factor that leads to safe driving. Being aware on the road involves thinking about what’s happening and paying attention to warning signs, which act like caution signals.

FAQs

What are blind spots?

Answer: A blind spot is the part of the road that remains unseen when looking straight ahead through your windshield or checking your rear-view and side-view mirrors.

How do we avoid blind spots?

Answer: To avoid blind spots:

  • Regularly check your mirrors for a clearer view.
  • Use the Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre technique:
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Use your turn signal when changing lanes.
  • A shoulder check is a quick way to check . 

What are the blind spots of a vehicle?

Answer: An average car has 4 blind spots, which are present in the front, rear, and sides.

What are common driving mistakes?

Answer: Some of the common driving mistakes include:

  • Overspeeding 
  • Not maintaining a safe distance
  • Driving too slow
  • Road rage 
  • Not giving indicators
  • Applying brakes too much
  • Ignoring side mirrors
  • Not checking your blind spots

What is the danger zone of a car?

Answer: The danger zone for any vehicle is the space right in front of it where the vehicle cannot come to a stop.

How can I improve my driving skills?

Answer: To improve your driving skills, you need expert guidance. And for you GClass Drivers is the best option as they have flexible schedules along with experienced instructors.  

What is the most difficult skill to learn in driving?

Answer: Parallel parking is considered as the most difficult and stressed skill to learn by beginner drivers.  

 

Enroll Now & Start Driving With Confidence

MTO Approved Courses
Knowledge Test Preparation
Road Test Preparation
In Class Schedule Courses
Online Driver Education
G & G2 Licence Preparation
Defensive Driving Course

Enroll Now & Start Driving With Confidence

MTO Approved Courses
Knowledge Test Preparation
Road Test Preparation
In Class Schedule Courses
Online Driver Education
G & G2 Licence Preparation

Defensive Driving Course