Do you know exactly how many blind spot-related accidents take place every year? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 840,000 accidents happen due to blind spots in the USA alone!
But there is a very simple way to eliminate that blind spot. It’s called a blind spot mirror. It is a small mirror that you can attach to your car’s existing side mirrors. Best of all, they are universal. So you can install them on any vehicle, be it a medium-sized car or a truck or lorry!
So if you need to install one, we will be covering a step guide on how to install rectangular blind spot mirrors.
What is a blind spot for a vehicle?
A blind spot for a vehicle is an area around the car that the driver cannot see, either in the mirrors or by looking directly out the windows. The driver has minimal visibility or no visibility at all. Blind spots are created by the vehicle’s design or by the position of the driver as well.
How many blind spots are there while driving?
Well, there is no exact number of blind spots there. Because anything that obstructs the driver’s view is considered a blind spot. It can vary depending on the size and construction of the cars.
Typically, smaller cars have two main blind spots on the two sides of the vehicle.
But trucks have four blind spots due to the way it’s designed. They are on the truck’s front, rear, and sides, including left and right.
How big can the blind spots be?
The size of the blind spot varies depending on the vehicle and the driver. Also, some cars have a more prominent blind spot than others, like the commercial 18-wheel trucks. Cars driver seats are placed much lower compared to truck driver seats. As a result, truck drivers’ views are much more obstructed than other vehicle drivers.
Why is a blind spot mirror important?
Installing rectangular blind spot mirrors is the most effective way to eliminate blind spots as it gives drivers a broader view of the area around their car.
Most importantly, you’ll be able to see cars in your blind spot without constantly turning your head. It can be a lifesaver, especially when driving on busy roads.
If you’re looking for a way to make your driving experience safer, consider investing in a blind spot mirror. They’re relatively inexpensive and can be found at most auto parts stores.
Best of all, these rectangular blind spot mirrors are universal. So they can be used on any vehicle, be it a car, SUV, or commercial truck!
How to check blind spots while driving
There are many ways to check your blind spots while driving. The most common way is to use your mirrors. You should check your mirrors every few seconds while driving.
Here are some other ways to check your blind spots while driving
- Turn your head and look over your shoulder. This should be done every few seconds as well.
- If you have passengers in your vehicle, ask them to help you keep an eye on your blind spots.
- Use your turn signals when changing lanes. It will let other drivers know that you are changing lanes, and they should be aware of your blind spots.
- Be extra cautious when driving in areas with lots of traffic. There will be more vehicles on the road, and it will be more challenging to check your blind spots.
How to install rectangular blind spot mirrors?
What you will need
It’s a straightforward process to install rectangular blind spot mirrors. You can do that simply by yourself with things you already have in your household
- Get a paper towel or a clean cloth
- Some Isopropyl Alcohol and
- a marker to mark your blind spot
- utility knife or scissors
That’s all you need!
Steps of installing rectangular blind spot mirrors
Step 1
Carefully unpack the mirror. Make sure not to touch the blind spot mirrors with your bare hand, as they will catch dirt.
Step 2
Once you have unpacked the rectangular blind spot mirrors, it’s time to determine where the blind spot mirror will be placed. Blind mirrors give the best output result when placed at the bottom of the side mirrors. Use a pen or marker to mark where you will be putting the blind spot mirror.
Step 3
Now start cleaning the area where the mirrors will be mounted. Spray some isopropyl alcohol and rub the rearview mirror with a clean cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from rearview mirror.
Step 4
After the mirror has been cleaned out, peel off the adhesive backing and stick it onto the desired location. Press down firmly on the mirror to make sure it is adequately secured.
Step 5
Once installed, drive around for a few minutes and pay attention to your blind spot mirrors. Make sure you can see both the side of your car and the traffic behind you. If you can’t, adjust your mirrors until you see them correctly.
Step 6
You should not wash your car for the next 24 to 48 hours to properly let the adhesive set in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q1. Are Blind Spot Mirrors illegal?
It depends. Blindspot mirrors are legal in most states, but a few have outlawed them. California, for example, bans any sticker or decal on the outside of a car. So if you’re caught with a blind spot mirror in California, you could be fined.
If you’re not so sure about the laws in your state, it’s best to check before you put a blind spot mirror on your car. But in general, they’re perfectly legal and can help you stay safe on the road.
Q2. Where should a blind spot mirror be placed?
Blindspot mirrors are one of the most critical safety features on a vehicle, yet many people don’t know where they should be placed. Here’s a two-step quick guide to help you make sure your blind spot mirrors are correctly positioned.
Step 1 – The first step is to adjust your rearview mirror. You should be able to see the entire rear window in your mirror. If you can’t, change it until you can.
Step 2 – Next, position your blind spot mirror to see the edge of your car in it. You should be able to see both the side of your vehicle and the traffic behind you.
Q3. Are blind spot mirrors worth it?
Most accidents happen when drivers change lanes and they can spot another car in their blind spot. It is even more dangerous at high speeds. A blind spot mirror helps drivers avoid these accidents by giving them a better view of what is around them. It is why blind spot mirrors are worth it, as they can drastically cut down accidents caused by blind spots.
Q4. How do you install a blind spot sensor?
Blindspot detection systems detect when another vehicle is in your blind spot and alert the driver with a warning light or an audible warning. You can easily install blind spot detection systems on your car if it doesn’t include one already.
Step 1 – First, you’ll need to find a location for the sensor. The best place to mount the sensor is on the back of the car, near the tail light. Once you’ve found a spot for the sensor, you’ll need to drill a hole for the sensor’s wire to pass through.
Step 2 – Next, you’ll need to run the wire from the sensor to the control module. The control module is usually located in the trunk of the car. Once you’ve run the wire to the control module, you’ll need to connect the wire to the module.
Step 3 – Now you’ll need to calibrate the sensor. This is done by driving the car in a circle and ensuring the sensor is triggering when it should. Once you’ve done all of this, your blind spot sensor will be installed and ready to use.
Final Words
Blind spots are hazardous because they can lead to accidents if another vehicle is in that space. Every vehicle driver needs to install rectangular blind spot mirrors if they don’t want to be among these 840,000 blind-spot-related accidents. Also, even if you are not a driver yourself, you should encourage people you know who drive to install it. Because it can still be dangerous for you even if you are a pedestrian as up to 8% to 10% of pedestrian accidents happen due to blind spots.
