Understand how the blind spot works and strategies to avoid accidents

The blind spot is among the factors that most cause scares and light collisions in traffic. This is because cars, motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians can occupy these areas around the vehicle without the driver noticing, as they do not appear in the mirrors, even when they are correctly adjusted.

Therefore, especially during maneuvers and lane changes, it is important to be attentive, to know how to identify where these areas are and to adopt basic precautions to preserve safety.

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What is the blind spot and where is it located?

The blind spot corresponds to the region around the vehicle that cannot be directly seen by the driver, that is, it is not possible to see it only through the mirrors. It is present in all cars, regardless of size or model, and is usually concentrated on the rear sides, precisely areas where other vehicles can approach without being noticed.

This limitation stems from both the human field of vision and the position of the mirrors themselves. Even with proper adjustment, there will always be a small band out of visual range. The Minas Gerais Fire Department was able to exemplify in a very didactic way the parallel between the driver’s vision and the vehicles that can occupy blind spots.

For this reason, knowing these areas and adopting habits that compensate for this natural limitation is essential to drive more safely.

How to reduce blind spot when driving?

Some simple and practical measures of conscious driving help to considerably reduce the blind spot and increase traffic protection:

• Adjust the exterior mirrors correctly: they should only show a small part of the side of the vehicle, widening the field of side vision and reducing hidden areas;
• Adjust the distance from the steering wheel: a proper posture improves the view of the mirrors and the surroundings. Place your legs on the pedals and position the seat so that they are only slightly bent;
• Adjust the inclination: your seat can be neither too reclined nor too straight, so as not to create more blind spots;
• Pay attention to the position of the interior mirror: to adjust correctly, your head must be close to the backrest to adjust it so that it shows as much of the rear window as possible;
• Use the internal rearview mirror frequently: it complements the side view and helps in following vehicles approaching from behind;
• Look over your shoulder before changing lanes: this simple movement covers precisely the blind spot region and can avoid collisions;
• Pay extra attention to motorcyclists and cyclists: they usually travel exactly in the most critical areas of visibility.

These precautions make a difference in the routine and allow you to anticipate risk situations, especially on roads with heavy traffic.

SUVs and pickup trucks require extra care

In larger vehicles, such as SUVs and pickup trucks, the blind spot areas tend to be larger due to the height of the body and the design of the rear pillars.

Although the driver’s elevated position favors frontal vision, it can make lateral and rear perception difficult — especially when parking maneuvers or lane changes.

To minimize this effect, it is recommended:

• Open the adjustment of the exterior mirrors a little more;
• Use the internal rearview mirror regularly;
• Install, if possible, additional convex mirrors to widen the field of vision.
• Redouble attention with motorcycles and lower vehicles, which can disappear more easily in the visual field of larger cars.

Motorcyclists suffer from blind spot

In addition to representing a point of attention, as they easily hide in areas that are not visible, motorcycles also have blind spots thanks to two complicating factors:

• The helmet itself decreases the driver’s peripheral vision, as it has a limited field of vision.
• In addition, it is common for drivers to make it difficult to see when installing smaller mirrors, different from the originals.

Attention remains the main resource, but there are resources that help

The blind spot is an inevitable limitation, but it can be managed with attention and good practices behind the wheel. Taking the measures mentioned above, maintaining proper posture and constantly observing the surroundings are simple attitudes that reduce the probability of collisions and increase safety.

In addition, in the latest models, technology can also be of great help. The blind spot alert emerges as an ally: through sensors, the system identifies the approach of vehicles in non-visible areas and issues visual or audible warnings.

However, this device should not be a ‘crutch’ for the driver, but act only as a complement and never as a substitute for attention.