Is It Important To Check Your Driving Mirrors?

One of the most crucial lessons we are taught when we are learning how to drive a car is the importance of checking mirrors. Driving a car is a big deal as you have to coordinate a number of things at the same time and still look around you to avoid any incidents or accidents. You also get to learn about what you see in the mirror and how to act accordingly. Let us look at the different mirrors available to you and their significance when you are driving.

Rear View Mirror

Also referred to as the interior mirror, this is a mirror made with flat glass and locate above you but centrally placed. The function of the rear view mirror is to provide a picture of what is behind you and since the mirror is flat, none of the images are distorted. You should use this mirror to check the approaching traffic from behind and when you are reversing the vehicle. Always adjust the mirror when the vehicle is stationary for a perfect view and avoid touching inside the mirror to keep of those finger marks that might compromise your view. Make a point of ensuring that you can view the entire rear window for a good rear view.

Exterior Mirrors

Also referred to as side mirrors, exterior mirrors are those convex mirrors on both sides of the vehicle. The reason why they are curved is because convex mirrors give a wider vision field. Though you will view more with the side mirrors, the curve will compromise your ability to judge the distance and speed of approaching traffic. In most cases, the vehicles might appear far away and smaller than they are and without the proper skills you could misjudge the approaching vehicle and cause an accident.

When you are adjusting the side mirrors, ensure that you can see a strip of the car and that the horizon appears somewhere in the middle of the mirror. Also make sure that the adjustment leaves you with little head movement for a perfect view of the area behind the vehicle.

Using Your Mirrors

The use of mirrors is part and parcel of driving because without a perfect view of the surrounding especially the back where your eyes are not focused on, driving would be difficult if not impossible. Using mirrors is essential because you will get a chance to know that there is a vehicle behind you, how far it is, how fast it is traveling and the intentions of the driver. The mirror you choose to use entirely depends on the situation you are in.

Always check the blind spot and use different mirrors to ensure that you have a view of what is behind you before taking any action. Sometimes using one mirror can cause an accident because of a blind spot that eliminates a part of the rear end. Now that you know the importance of your vehicle’s mirrors, adjust them accordingly and use them often to keep away from trouble when you are driving.