Blind Spots And How To Fix Them: Driving Safety Facts
Car blind spots affect every driver. It’s estimated that over 800,000 accidents occur each year in the U.S. because of blind spots. When a blind spot causes a collision, the other car seems to come out of nowhere. Any motor vehicle accident can result in serious injury or fatality, and blind spot accidents are no exception.
What Is A Driver’s Blind Spot?
A blind spot for drivers is an unavoidable reality. As a vehicle drives parallel to you in another lane, it may seem to disappear in one of your car’s blind spots. These are the areas that are hidden from rear and side mirrors.
This creates a hazardous condition for passing or changing lanes. You must turn your head in all directions to get a better view. Not all drivers take this extra step, but doing so can also create a hazard because it requires the driver to take their eyes off the road ahead.
As dangerous as the blind spot of a car might be, imagine the hazards these “no zones” create for bus and truck drivers. This is one reason why all road users should be extra careful when they see big rigs change lanes. Approximately 533,796 trucking accidents occurred in the U.S. in 2021 alone.
Where Are The Blind Spots On A Car?
Blind spots vary by driver and vehicle, and that’s part of the problem. Your blind spot is affected by your height and how you sit in the car. Blind spots can change from car to car. However, a common blind spot for drivers is located beside the rear bumper on either side.
Turning or changing lanes without checking this spot could result in a sideswipe collision. Sideswipe accidents can cause severe physical harm, including head trauma and spinal cord injury.
How To Reduce Blind Spots While Driving
Automakers continue to introduce innovations that make driving safer. Technologies to reduce no zones usually involve sensors to detect approaching vehicles. Some options include:
- Blind spot monitoring systems
- Rearview cameras and sensors
- 360-degree cameras
- Lane departure warning systems
While helpful, these technologies aren’t foolproof. It’s still the responsibility of every driver to take extra precautions to prevent a blind spot accident.
Where Do Most Sideswipe Collisions Happen?
Careful drivers use their car’s safety technology, visual cues, and experience to avoid auto accidents. Knowing when to be extra cautious about a blind spot when driving will help. These are some of the most common situations in which sideswipe accidents happen:
- When overtaking another vehicle
- In congested traffic
- While changing lanes
- At intersections
- When reversing
- When merging onto highways
It’s easy to become complacent about common driving hazards, especially when you drive familiar routes on a regular basis. Remember to use proper safety measures and check all blind spots carefully. Doing so can help you avoid an accident.
Could You Be More Careful About Blind Spots?
Every person could improve their driving skills. Identifying the blind spot of a car before heading into heavy traffic is a good way to start. Blind spots are those areas you can’t see from the side or rear mirrors. Even with the newest safety technologies, checking these zones with visual confirmation is still recommended.
Take extra precautions at intersections, while merging, and in other situations where sideswipe accidents are common. Consider speaking with a personal injury attorney if you are involved in a collision. An attorney can advise you of your rights and confirm whether you are eligible for financial compensation.
Contact our Denver Car Accident Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers at (720) 613 9706
For more information, please contact the Denver Car Accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, and proudly serve all of Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
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About The Author
Kurt Zaner has earned national recognition for his innovative legal strategies, securing some of the largest verdicts in Colorado. He assists injured clients in Denver with personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, wrongful death, motorcycle accidents, and more. Click here to view some of the fantastic case results that Zaner Law has successfully handled.
Location: Denver, CO
