Blind spots are a frustrating yet common obstruction, often making it difficult to see other cars when changing lanes or merging onto highways. Thankfully, there's a simple and effective method that can help minimize blind spots: the BGE mirror setting. This setting may be critical for drivers to understand, since it can help prevent driving mishaps and may improve road safety.
Understanding the BGE mirror setting
BGE stands for "blind spot and glare elimination," and it refers to a specific technique for adjusting your car's side mirrors. The main goal of the BGE setting is to eliminate blind spots, like the areas beside and behind your vehicle that are not visible in your mirrors. By adjusting your side mirrors a specific way, the BGE method may help provide a more comprehensive view of the road without paying for extra gadgets like blind zone mirrors.
How it differs from traditional mirror settings
Drivers are typically taught to position side mirrors in a way that allows them to see the side of their car. While this works for some situations, it doesn't fully eliminate blind spots, especially when changing lanes. The BGE method, however, involves adjusting your side mirrors outward, which can help you see more of the road behind you. This wider view may allow you to spot other vehicles that are typically hard to see without turning your head.
Why the BGE can be important
The BGE method may help you avoid mishaps and collisions while on the road. Blind spots can obstruct your view, which may cause problems when you’re changing lanes without realizing there is a vehicle close by. By reducing or eliminating blind spots, the BGE method can help drivers make lane changes, merge confidently, and maintain better awareness of their surroundings. It’s an easy, yet powerful, adjustment that may prevent blind-spot-related accidents and improve road safety.
Guide to adjusting your mirrors
If you want to utilize the BGE method, you can try following these steps:
- Adjust driver’s mirror: Sit in your regular driving position, then lean your head toward the driver’s side window. Move the driver’s side mirror outward (to the left) until the side of your car is just out of view.
- Adjust passenger side mirror: Lean toward the middle of your car and adjust the passenger-side mirror outward (to the right) similarly, so the side of your car is barely visible.
- Position the rearview mirror: Adjust your rearview mirror so that you can see a straight view of what’s directly behind your car through the rear window.
Benefits of the BGE mirror setting
This mirror positioning method may bring certain benefits for drivers. These can include:
- Enhanced visibility: The BGE setting may increase your field of view, which can cover the areas that standard mirror settings might miss.
- Reduced need for shoulder checks: With the BGE setting, you may be able to rely less on looking over your shoulder to spot vehicles in your blind spots. This can help reduce the chances of colliding with oncoming traffic or vehicles in front of you.
- Increased confidence while changing lanes: Using the BGE setting to help eliminate your blind spots may help you change lanes or complete turns more confidently.
- Possible insurance benefits: By helping to reduce the likelihood of blind-spot-related accidents, you may lower the potential for filing insurance claims, which may lead to lower auto insurance rates.
The role of blind-spot monitors
Modern cars nowadays may come equipped with blind-spot monitoring systems. This technology uses sensors that can help detect vehicles in your blind spots and alert you with lights or sounds. Blind-spot monitors may be able to add another layer of safety while you’re driving.
When used in tandem with the BGE mirror setting, blind-spot monitors can help your awareness of cars behind and beside you. While BGE maximizes your field of vision, the monitors serve as an additional precautionary feature, which may help you avoid obscured or obstructed road hazards.
Contact IIA
Though the BGE mirror method may prevent you from getting in an accident, having auto insurance may help you navigate certain financial situations after an accident. If you’re on the hunt for auto insurance, Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc. can help you find the right coverage for your needs and budget. You can call IIA at 1-855-478-3705 to ask about what coverage options are available or for a personalized insurance quote.