Beware The Blind Spot

Aug 1, 2015

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 840,000 blind spot accidents happen annually in the United States, resulting in 300 fatalities. With so many Nebraska families heading out on the road this summer for vacation, it's a good idea to take a moment to learn more about blind spots and your safety.

Blind spots are areas of the road that a driver can't see while looking forward or when looking in the rear-view or side-view mirrors. Most of these spots are caused by the vehicle frame. While the blind spots on today's cars tend to be small, at certain distances and certain angles blind spots can easily block a nearby, full-sized car from view. This situation can be hazardous when changing lanes or merging into traffic.

There are two main ways to prevent accidents caused by blind spots:

Perform a head check Turn your head in the direction you are turning for a quick glance through the window. It only takes a fraction of a second to see if the lane you are merging into is clear. Remember, a head check is just a brief glance, so immediately return your eyes to the road in front of you. Driving by mirrors alone is never a good idea.
Make sure your mirrors are adjusted properly The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommends adjusting both side-view mirrors so far outward that their viewing angle just overlaps that of the car's rearview mirror. This increases a driver's viewing area and can help eliminate blind spots.

While it's important to be a safe and responsible driver, you can't count on other drivers to do the same. If you or a family member have been involved in an auto accident, it's important to contact an experienced lawyer with expertise in this area. The accomplished Omaha motor vehicle accident attorneys at Cullan & Cullan, LLC can be there for you. Call us at (402) 882-7080 for a free case evaluation.

Categories: