Description

which blind spot to check when turning ?

### Which Blind Spots to Check When Turning

Driving is a responsibility that comes with a set of best practices to ensure the safety of both yourself and others on the road. One crucial aspect of safe driving is understanding and checking your blind spots correctly. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the importance of checking blind spots while turning, providing practical tips and resources to help you stay safe on the road.

### Understanding Blind Spots

Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that are not visible through your rear-view and side mirrors. These spots can be particularly dangerous when turning, as vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians can be hidden from your view. Knowing how to check your blind spots effectively can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

### How to Check Your Blind Spots While Turning

1. **Turn Signal Activation**: Always start by turning on your turn signal to alert other drivers that you intend to change lanes or turn.
2. **Mirror Checks**: Look at your rearview mirror and side mirrors to get a preliminary view of your surroundings.
3. **Shoulder Check**: The most critical step is the shoulder check. Turn your head and look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to turn. This gives you a clear view of your blind spot, which mirrors cannot cover.

### Turning Left or Right

– **Left Turn**: When turning left, focus on checking your right-side blind spot for oncoming traffic.
– **Right Turn**: When turning right, the blind spot is on the left side. Ensure no vehicles or cyclists are approaching from the left.

### Additional Tips and Resources

#### Attaching Blind Spot Mirrors

Sometimes, attaching blind spot mirrors to your side mirrors can enhance your visibility. A popular method is to place them on the outer top corner of the wing mirror. Ensure they are secure and help you monitor blind spots more effectively.

**Relevant Resources**:
– [Aceable – Understanding Blind Spots](https://www.aceable.com/safe-driving/blind-spots)
– [Safe2Drive – How to Check Your Blind Spots](https://www.safe2drive.com/defensive-driving/how-to-check-your-blind-spots)

#### Common Mistakes to Avoid

– **Relying Solely on Mirrors**: While mirrors are essential for initial checks, they cannot cover all blind spots. Always complete a shoulder check.
– **Impatience**: Don’t rush through the process. Take your time to ensure the way is clear before changing lanes or turning.
**Relevant Resources**:

#### Technology and Technology Aids

Modern vehicles often come equipped with blind spot detection systems. These can be extremely helpful, but it’s still crucial to know how to manually check your blind spots. The RAC’s guide on blind spot mirrors is an excellent reference: [RAC – Understanding Blind Spots](https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/learning-to-drive/blind-spots-a-guide-for-drivers)

### Conclusion

Checking your blind spots while turning is a fundamental practice that every driver should master. It not only enhances your safety but also the safety of others on the road. Always remember to:
– Use your turn signals.
– Check your mirrors.
– Complete a thorough shoulder check.

For those seeking additional information, the [New Driver’s Guide to Blind Spots](https://www.idrivesafely.com/defensive-driving/trending/new-drivers-guide-blind-spots) offers comprehensive tips and insights.

Safety on the road starts with one simple behavior: checks your blind spots diligently. Stay safe, and happy driving!

Check out these valuable resources for further guidance:

– [Consumer Reports – Guide to Blind Spot Warning](https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-safety/guide-to-blind-spot-warning-a1263069503)
– [Valley Driving School – Understanding Blind Spots & Shoulder Checks](https://www.valleydrivingschool.com/blog/main/blind-spots-shoulder-checks)
– [Driven2Drive – Car Blind Spots: How to Improve Blind Spot Detection](https://driven2drive.com/blog/car-blind-spots-while-driving)
– [Drivers Ed Direct – Blind Spot Checks](https://www.driverseddirect.com/videos/blind-spots/default.aspx)

Stay safe on the roads!

*Happy and safe driving!*