Plenty of accidents, along with countless close calls, have been the result of a driver not being able to see the vehicle next to them. The area around the vehicle that cannot be directly observed by the driver is often referred to as a blind spot. These blind spots exist in a wide range of vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorboats, sailboats, and aircraft. The proper adjustment of mirrors and other technical solutions can help to reduce vehicle blind spots.
Nearly 840,000 blind spot accidents occur each year in the United States resulting in 300 fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It is possible to reduce the chances of being involved in a blind spot accident by adjusting your mirrors correctly and remaining attentive while driving. Some ways to reduce or eliminate blind spots and increase your visibility while driving include:
- Turning your head in the direction of the obstruction to see better around it and improve depth perception.
- Adjusting mirrors so that the rear window is framed.
- Sit in your vehicle and place your head against the window, adjust the left side mirror so that only a part of the vehicles left side is visible.
- Lean to the center of your vehicle, right above the center console, and adjust the right side mirror so that only a part of the vehicles right side is visible.
- Briefly turn your head to check for cars in adjacent lanes.
- Watch for cars as they approach.
According to Imminent Threat Solutions, the problem is overlapping. The site has provided a very useful image to represent what a poor adjustment looks like versus a proper adjustment.
Imminent Threat Solutions
As statistics have shown, there are a number of injuries that can be sustained from being involved in a blind spot accident. Some injuries that are a result of a blind spot accident include:
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Broken Glass Injuries
- Concussion Injuries
- Occupant Ejection injuries
- Seat Belt Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Whiplash Injuries
- Wrist Injuries
The road is a two-way street and therefore requires for all drivers to be aware and abide by all traffic laws. Remaining attentive while driving and being a defensive driver will reduce the chances of you being in a serious accident.
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another, please contact the office of Herrman & Herrman to speak with an experienced lawyer. Call 361-882-4357 to schedule a free consultation today!
