Changing lanes is an essential part of driving. Whether you are driving down a multi-lane highway, passing a slower vehicle, merging into traffic, or moving out of the way of an emergency vehicle — chances are you change lanes every time you drive. Though this simple act is a routine part of operating a vehicle, it poses a real danger: the blind spot.
Blind spots are areas where other vehicles appear to 'hide' from a driver's sight. Generally, a driver relies on a rear view mirror, exterior side mirrors, and peripheral vision to detect the presence and position of vehicles in surrounding lanes. But when another car enters one of the areas surrounding the car that are not visible in a driver's mirrors, that car is said to be in the driver's 'blind spot.'
Fortunately, there are ways of eliminating the blind spot and minimizing the chances of a lane change related accident. One of those ways is by following the Blind Spot and Glare Elimination mirror setting, also known as BGE. This mirror setting — when used correctly — makes it virtually impossible for a vehicle to disappear into a blind spot. Though there are still some areas that are hidden from a driver's view using the BGE setting, none are big enough to hide a car.
To achieve the BGE mirror setting, sit in the driver's seat of your vehicle and place the side of your head against the window. Turn the mirror outward until you can just barely see the driver's side of your car. Then, with your head positioned from the center of the vehicle, turn the passenger's side mirror outward in the same way. This setting should only be used in a vehicle with a rear view mirror that provides an unobstructed view.
Technology's Role in Eliminating the Blind Spot
Automakers are working harder than ever to adapt to the needs of consumers. This includes an effort to produce technology that eliminates blind spots and significantly reduces accidents caused by them. Today, consumers can purchase vehicles with state of the art technology that warns drivers of surrounding vehicles. Many are also equipped with rear view cameras that provide a complete picture of the space behind a vehicle — including the area beneath the rear window where children, animals and small objects are otherwise not seen.