Have you ever cruised down the highway just happily minding your business when suddenly another car or a motorbike cuts you off and catches you off guard? It probably made you stop all of a sudden or had you jerked your stirring wheel into the opposite direction of the other vehicle because you weren’t able to see them. There are a lot of accidents that resulted from a driver not being able to see the other vehicle.
What is a Blind Spot?
There are certain areas around the vehicle that can’t be seen by the driver, this are referred as blind spots. A blind spot is normally located at the rear sides of your vehicle that is not easily visible when driving.
What are the Most Common Blind Spots?
The most common blind spot is known as the rear quarter blind spot. This is the area located at each side of the vehicle’s rear. Other blind spot areas include the front of the lower areas of the front of the vehicle, the sides, and even the objects on the road that are low to see. Blind spots are not limited to other vehicles you may not see around your car but it can also be objects erected on the road specifically for road use.
Ways to Reduce Blind Spot
According to the National Highway Safety admin, there are at least eight hundred thousand blind spot accidents and nearly 300 blind spot accidents that resulted in fatalities. One of the best ways to reduce blind spot accidents is to properly adjust the car’s mirrors. Think of mirrors as an extension to your eyes. When you’re on the road, your main objective is to look straight at oncoming traffic and never let your eyes off the road. The mirror acts as an aid to get you to look at cars beside and behind you without having to let you turn your back and taking your eyes off the road. Another way for you to reduce the blind spot is to install a blind spot detection system. A blind-spot detection system can help you detect vehicles or objects not easily visible. These systems will alert you whenever your car is too close to another object.
Why is a Blind Spot Dangerous?
Normally, we don’t think about blind spots until it’s too late. With the growing number of fatalities from blind spot accidents, drivers should never disregard blind spots. Blind spots prevent you from seeing other vehicles and increases your risk of getting into an accident. No matter how attentive you are while driving, it pays to be extra vigilant. The most common vehicle to cause blind spot accidents are motorbikes. Because they are small and tend to weave through traffic, it can be difficult to notice them until it’s too late.
Invest in an Extended Car Warranty
Even though you’d taken all of the safety precautions before you drive, accidents may still take place, that is why it’s wise to be protected. Invest in an extended car warranty. Even if your car isn’t brand new you can still get proper coverage with a used car warranty.
Key Take-away
With the growing number of blind spot accidents, it’s best to keep your guard up all the time. Be an attentive and defensive driver. Always keep in mind that you’re able to reduce the risk of blind spot accidents by just following this simple rule – properly adjust your mirror that it overlaps. This way, you’re able to have some visual extension. It’s also smart to install a blind spot detection system in your car. You can’t tell if and when you’re going to be involved in an accident (hopefully not!), this is why giving your car and extra coverage will save you money in case of repairs and accidents. You can buy an extended car warranty for your brand new car or a used car warranty. Quotes for extended car warranty for used cars are readily available online. Make sure that you shop around first in order for you to get the best price for the right coverage needed on your car.