Tackling the driver side blind spot

[Spacemane969]

Just curious as to how most people adjusted to the blindspot in the twins. I've never driven a car with as sleek a profile as the 86 and the driver blind spot terrifies me. A couple weeks in and I'm getting more comfortable with my spatial awareness on the road but I still feel anxious with on-ramps where there isn't much room for error at highway speeds. What I've gotten accustomed to so far(on the driver side) is just using the small rear side window to get as much of a view as I can, but it still feels limited. It seems like the only other option is to stick my head way out front and try to avoid the pillar as much as possible, but that seems like to much of a distraction and less grip on the wheel.

What is everyone's thoughts?

[WhiteFRS69]

http://www.ft86speedfactory.com/rexp...rrors-852.html

these IMO help out alot!

[Tcoat]

Just keep doing what you are. The small window and a quick shoulder check are all you need. I am just looking for movement when I check I don't need a good enough look to know exactly what make and model is next to me. Leaning forward and trying to look around the piker is dangerous because you are spending to much time not looking ahead. Not to mention that people will steer where they look so you always run the risk of steering into oncoming traffic if looking to the left to long.

[strat61caster]

This:
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...id-blind-spots

Plus being aware of your surroundings, i.e. you know there's a prius creeping up on you in the left lane, you don't have to see him in your mirror to know he's still there because he hasn't passed you and he hasn't dropped back.

[Ammunition]

I've have the Rexpeed convex mirrors for over a year now, and they did help quite a bit (supposedly you gain 30 - 40% more viewing area with these)

I would also ensure that your mirrors are adjusted properly; I think the diagram has been posted many times here on the forum, but here it is again for reference - http://media.caranddriver.com/images...s-original.jpg

I would also ensure that you're signaling appropriately as well - a solid 2 - 3 seconds before you start to merge your car (this is a good time to check your blind spot); this will alert people to your intention with enough forewarning for any decent driver to pick up their pace a bit to pass you and get out of your way, or prepare for you enter the lane in front of them.

[Sousuke]

Yeah that blind spot is tough.. I've almost run into cars even after checking twice without actually leaning forward in my seat. So now if I don't see anyone in any of the mirrors and I turn ann there's no one there I STILL lean forward to check because more often than not there IS a car there and I just can't see them. I feel like it's a big distraction doing that every time and I lose a little control of what's happening in front of me, if you get what I mean. I'm getting use to it and unless I adjust my mirrors to a more outward position and see if that helps a little

[Jesse36m3]

You need to let your mirror do the work. Adjust your rear view so that from your sitting position, you are able to see evenly side to side out your rear window.


I usually adjust on the fly while driving or on the highway for the best result.
For the drivers side mirror, you need to be in the slow lane going a steady speed and vice versa for the other side.


As a car is passing you on the left, you should be able to see the car in at least two spots at all time whether it be [rear view + side mirror] or [side mirror and left peripherals]. There should be no guess work involved.


If you get that down, there should literally be no blind spot because you are able to see the car at all times as it is passing you. This has worked for me 100% over the years, but ymmv.

[Pat]

Adjust your mirrors properly (per the Car & Driver link posted above) and you'll be fine.

[Packofcrows]

Awareness. Use your mirrors to their full potential. Or... You can get those mini circle mirrors.

[soulreapersteve]

That car and driver picture is really helpful. I had to get out of the habit that was taught to me when learning to drive + during driving test (15-20% of your side mirror should be showing the rear of your car. Effing ridiculous).

However, I do take my foot off the gas pedal when looking at mirrors, just in case the person in front of me does something weird. Then when everything is clear, I move over. I do this mostly on highway driving, where people tend to be more reckless rather than in city streets.

[chaoskaze]

You are not adjusting your mirror right... American drivers Ed failing again...

Please watch these 2 video
[ame]http://youtu.be/rEsQ2GtsJ8E[/ame]
[ame]http://youtu.be/wEuHKA409sg[/ame]

They are never invisible, you choose to make them invisible.

And guys you need to shoulder check instead of look at the mirror if you want to really look ok?

& Steve no you do not step off from gas, if you think you need to do that that means you are simply too close to the car in front of you! Can't believe nothing proper is being taught in traffic school/road test.

[Spacemane969]

Very interesting. So with the correct adjustment I should keep turning my outside mirrors until the fender just barely disappears. This is new to me as I was also tought the rear of your car should show in your mirrors.
Thanks for the tips

[kch]

Originally Posted by Spacemane969

Very interesting. So with the correct adjustment I should keep turning my outside mirrors until the fender just barely disappears.

Probably even further than that. Set up in a parking lot and tweak the mirrors until there's no overlap.

[Pat]

Originally Posted by kch

Probably even further than that. Set up in a parking lot and tweak the mirrors until there's no overlap.

That's what I tell most people. I actually set mine so I have to lean my head over towards the side window to see my quarter panel in the mirror. I do this for both left and right sides.