Every driver has experienced that momentary jolt of surprise: a car suddenly appears in the lane beside you, seemingly out of nowhere. This common occurrence is a result of driving blind spots, areas around a vehicle not visible to the driver through their mirrors or peripheral vision. Understanding where these blind spots are and how to manage them is a fundamental part of safe driving, whether you're navigating the busy streets of Abbotsford or cruising on Highway 1.
Let's look at the basics of blind spots for different vehicle types and how we can manage these blind spots while out on the road!
The Basics of Car Blind Spots
In a standard passenger vehicle, the most common blind spots are located on either side, just behind the rear doors. These are often called the rear-quarter blind spots. Even with properly adjusted side mirrors, a vehicle or cyclist can be unseen in this space, completely out of your view. This is the primary reason for a shoulder check before changing lanes, lateral movements within the lane or turns.
Another, often overlooked, blind spot is the area directly behind the vehicle. While the interior rearview mirror provides a good view, it doesn't show everything, particularly smaller objects or children which may be behind the vehicle. It is always a good idea to walk around your vehicle before backing out of a driveway or parking space to check this area.
Beyond these two main areas, a car's own structure can create additional blind spots. The thick pillars that support the roof, particularly the front ones (A-pillars) on either side of the windscreen, can block your view. For example, when making a left turn at a curved intersection, such as "Five Corners" at McCallum Road and Essendene Avenue in Abbotsford, a pedestrian or a cyclist on the sidewalk could be momentarily hidden from view by that front pillar.
Special Considerations for Trucks and Larger Vehicles
Drivers of larger vehicles, such as delivery trucks or transport trucks, face a different set of challenges. These vehicles have significantly larger blind spots, often referred to as "no-zones" because you are essentially invisible to the driver.
The main no-zones for large trucks include:
Directly in front: A truck driver cannot see anything in the area immediately in front of the cab.
Both sides: The blind spots on a truck's sides can extend for several metres, particularly on the right-hand side.
Directly behind: There is a massive blind spot directly behind the trailer, making it difficult for the driver to see a car following too closely.
A simple rule of thumb when driving near a large truck is: if you cannot see the truck driver's mirrors, they likely cannot see you. Maintaining a safe distance from these vehicles is not just a courtesy: it is a safety measure.
Situational Blind Spots
Blind spots are not fixed; they can change depending on the situation.
Weather: Rain, snow, or thick fog can drastically reduce visibility, making it harder to spot a vehicle in an existing blind spot. In these conditions, taking extra time for a shoulder check and using your mirrors is prudent.
Parking lots: Backing out of a busy parking space, for instance at Willowbrook Shopping Centre, presents several blind spots. Parked vehicles on either side of you can block your view of pedestrians, shopping trolleys, or other cars. It is safest to back into parking spaces for a better view when exiting the space. Back up cameras can also be of assistance to ensure areas are clear.
Intersections and Curves: Buildings, large shrubs, or fences on a street corner can create a temporary blind spot, obscuring your view of cross-traffic. The A-pillar, as mentioned earlier, can also hide pedestrians or other vehicles at intersections. Drivers should lean forwards or backwards to see around any visual obstructions before moving.
Other Vehicles: A large vehicle in the lane next to you can hide a smaller car or a motorcycle that is trying to merge or pass. This is why it is good practice to check your mirrors and do a quick shoulder check, even when the lane next to you appears clear.
Strategies for Managing Blind Spots: "See-Think-Do"
Managing blind spots is about being proactive and using a few simple techniques. A helpful strategy is to follow a "See-Think-Do" approach to remain aware of your surroundings.
See: First, you observe your environment. This involves actively scanning your surroundings and being aware of potential blind spots before they become an issue.
Adjust Your Mirrors: Proper mirror adjustment can significantly reduce the size of your blind spots. Set your side mirrors so that you can just see the rear quarter panel of your own vehicle. This widens your field of view and helps you spot more of the adjacent lanes.
Anticipate: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential blind spots. Slow down when approaching intersections with limited visibility and be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists in urban areas.
Think: This is the moment you process what you have observed. You consider the safest way to respond to a potential hazard you have spotted.
Do: This is the action you take to ensure safety based on your observations and thoughts.
The Blind Spot Check: Before changing lanes or merging, a quick glance over your shoulder is the most reliable way to check for another road user in your blind spot. This simple action, which takes only a second, can help you avoid a collision. It is a crucial step to take before changing direction. For a right turn, it is good practice to do a shoulder check before positioning your car for the turn, and then another quick check just before you begin to execute the turn. A blind spot check should also be performed before exiting your vehicle to ensure you do not hit a passing cyclist or pedestrian.
Give Space: When driving near large trucks, remember their no-zones. Do not linger beside a truck and maintain a safe following distance.
In the end, all drivers have to contend with blind spots. By knowing where they are and using simple, practical strategies like proper mirror adjustment and the blind spot check, you can navigate the roads with more confidence and reduce the chances of a surprise. Safe driving is about staying aware of your surroundings and that includes the parts you cannot see.
Looking for more tips to help you drive with confidence? Be sure to check out our other blog posts for additional information and insights: Understanding Blind Spots & Shoulder Checks and Tips for Mastering the Lane Change.