How to Safely Check Your Blind Spots
Every driver should know where his or her blind spots are for their vehicle. Do you know where your blind spots are and how to properly check them? Learn how checking blind spots by scanning ahead, communicating intentions and maintaining a cushion of safety can save you a costly trip to an auto body shop.
What are Blind Spots?
Blind spots refer to the area around the vehicle that can’t be seen by the driver by using their
mirrors. These areas exist around other vehicles where your vehicle is not visible to other drivers as well. It is important to understand that all drivers, regardless of the type of vehicle they drive, have blind spots around their vehicle; however, the bigger the vehicle, the bigger the blind spots. The blind spots of a semi-truck are so large and dangerous that they have a special name: NO-ZONES.
The Importance of Scanning, Communication and Cushion of Safety (S.C.C)
Applying S.C.C. during every trip will help you become a proactive driver and enable you to size up any situation — including those spine tingling blind spots as you merge or change lanes.
Scanning: You should know where, when and how to look 360 degrees (blind spots included) around the vehicle for signs, signals, roadway markings and potential hazards.
Make sure to scan ahead 12-15 Seconds in all environments, 1-11⁄2 blocks in city environments and 1⁄4 mile in highway environments. Observe your side and rear areas of the vehicle, checking mirrors every 3-5 seconds as well as checking blind spots.
Communication: Use various methods to notify other drivers of your intentions. Make use of directional signals, hand signals, headlights, horn, brake lights, hazard lights, reverse lights and the position of your vehicle when on the road.
Cushion of Safety: The area around your vehicle should be kept clear of hazards (front, side and rear). For example, the front of the vehicle should always maintain proper following distance of 3-5 seconds. In addition, we can’t control what the vehicles behind us do, but we can check our mirrors and blind spots so that we are aware of their actions. If you find that you are being tailgated, reduce your speed and increase your following distance to try to reduce the chances of abrupt braking. If you are not already in the right lane, you may also change lanes to the right and allow for the tailgater to pass you if legal and safe to do so.
Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection
Your trip begins before you set foot inside your vehicle. Begin every trip by completing a brief vehicle inspection and make adjustments before putting your key in the ignition.
Before entering your vehicle check:
- The surrounding area. You should be confident when you move your vehicle that you are clear of obstructions.
- Tire condition and pressure. You need tires that are in good condition and that provide efficient traction.
- Excessive fluid leaks. Fluid leakage indicates that something is technically wrong with your vehicle and should be identified quickly to prevent more severe damage.
- Damage to windows. Line of sight should always be clear so that you can scan the road.
- Snow covering windows and mirrors. Always clear snow off of windows and mirrors so that you can scan properly and others can see you.
- Windshield wipers. Ensure wipers are working efficiently to clear snow and rain from your windshield providing a clear line of sight.
Always maintain clear visibility when driving and check your blind spots often — especially when merging or changing lanes. To learn more about checking your blind spots and preventing crashes, view our more detailed pre-trip checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a blind spot?
A blind spot is the area around your vehicle that you can't see using your mirrors alone. Every vehicle has them, and they exist on the sides and rear where your mirrors simply don't reach. Other drivers have blind spots too, which means there are times your car isn't visible to them either. The larger the vehicle, the larger the blind spots, which is why semi-trucks have such extensive ones that they're given a special name: NO-ZONES.
How do I check my blind spots correctly before changing lanes?
Combine mirror checks with a quick over-the-shoulder glance. Look in your side and rearview mirrors every 3 to 5 seconds in normal driving, and before any lane change turn your head briefly to scan the blind spot on the side you're moving toward. Then check again right after you've completed the maneuver to make sure you ended up where you intended. The glance only takes a second but it covers what your mirrors physically can't.
How does the S.C.C. approach help with blind spots?
S.C.C. stands for Scanning, Communicating, and Cushion of safety. Scanning means looking 360 degrees around the vehicle, including blind spots, every few seconds. Communicating means signaling your intentions using turn signals, brake lights, headlights, the horn, and your lane position so other drivers know what you're about to do. The cushion of safety is the space you keep around your vehicle on all sides. Together, these three habits make blind-spot situations far safer because you spot trouble early, telegraph your moves, and have room to react.
How far ahead should I scan, and how often should I check mirrors?
Scan ahead 12 to 15 seconds in any driving environment, which is roughly one to one and a half blocks in city driving and about a quarter mile on the highway. Check your mirrors every 3 to 5 seconds during normal driving, and always check your mirrors plus your blind spots before and after a lane change. This rhythm keeps you continuously aware of what's happening on all sides of your vehicle.
What should a pre-trip vehicle inspection include in winter?
Walk around your vehicle before you get in and check a few key items. Look at the surrounding area for obstructions. Inspect tire condition and pressure since traction starts with the tires. Look for excessive fluid leaks underneath, which can signal a mechanical problem. Check the windows for cracks or damage that obscure your line of sight, and clear any snow or ice off the windows and mirrors so you can see and be seen. Confirm the windshield wipers are functioning so they can clear rain or snow during the drive. Doing this every time creates a habit that prevents most visibility-related crashes.
What should I do if I'm being tailgated?
Reduce your speed and increase the following distance to the vehicle ahead of you. The bigger gap in front means you won't have to brake suddenly, which is the move most likely to cause the tailgater to hit you. If you're not in the right lane and it's safe and legal to do so, change lanes and let them pass. Don't brake-check or try to teach them a lesson. The goal is to remove yourself from the situation, not to confront them.
