Modern Mirrors Settings Proofed – JSS – 8/10/12

You need to know… how to adjust the inside and outside mirrors what space can & can’t be viewed with mirrors exactly where the blind spots on either side are located In first mod

First, adjust your inside mirror to see straight out the rear window and get the best view of the zones behind you.

Next, sit up straight and adjust both outside mirrors to see a bit of the side of the vehicle & the horizon near the center. Traditional Setting

Traditional Setting Inside and outside views overlap. The outside mirrors add height and width to the inside mirror view.

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear Traditional Setting Objects in mirror are closer than they appear Right outside mirror is slightly convex to further widen that view. Use outside mirrors to see the rear if the inside view becomes blocked. Right outside rearview mirrors are all slightly convex. This gives a wider view on the right, but “Objects in mirror are Closer than they appear”

Disadvantages Large blind spots on both sides of your car. Lots of cars can be hidden there. If you don’t see something in the mirror, the blind spot can be occupied. Significant glare from passing vehicles at night. Every lateral move requires a blind spot check. Turn your chin-to-shoulder and roll eyes back.

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear Modified Setting Objects in mirror are closer than they appear Widens your view to the sides As a vehicle disappears from the inside mirror, it becomes visible in an outside mirror. If the inside view becomes blocked, a slight tilt of your head provides a view to the rear zone.

Disadvantages You still have blind spots on both sides of your car. If you don’t see something in the inside or an outside mirror, the blind spot may be occupied. Every lateral move requires a blind spot check. Turn your chin-to-shoulder and roll eyes back.

Adjust the side mirrors out slightly Tilt your head to the left & move the mirror outward to see the same bit of your car. Modified Setting

Adjust the side mirrors out slightly Follow the same sequence to adjust the right outside rear-view mirror: tilt head, see a bit of the car, then sit up straight. Modified Setting

Modified Mirror Setting When you sit up, you won’t see the sides of your car. The smaller overlap widens your view, reduces the size of the blind spots on both sides of the car, and reduces nighttime glare. Modified Mirror Setting

Blind spots are smaller, but a lot can still be hidden!

Look over your shoulder to know if the blind spot is occupied or not! Left blind spot Right blind spot Door posts or roof pillars can block your view of the blind spot and keep you from getting good information about the condition of the roadway next to your car. Look around door posts and pillars. What parts of the car could block your view of the left or right blind spots?