Understanding Blind Spots Could Save Your Life (And Your Legal Claim)

What Are Blind Spots and Why Should You Care?

Blind spots are areas around your car where you can’t see other vehicles, even using your mirrors. Think of them as “danger zones” where cars, bikes, or pedestrians can disappear from view.

Every vehicle has these blind spots, and they cause thousands of preventable accidents each year. The knowledge you gain about blind spots today could prevent a life-altering accident tomorrow.

Blind spots not only hide other vehicles from your view but also obscure you from being seen by other drivers. This dangerous combination creates perfect conditions for serious accidents, particularly during lane changes and merges.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you exactly:

• Why standard mirror adjustments are actually increasing your risk
• The BGE method that virtually eliminates blind spots
• The SMOG technique that professional drivers swear by
• How your vehicle type dramatically changes your danger zones
• What legal consequences you face if you cause a blind spot accident

The knowledge you’ll gain on blind spot safety today could save your life tomorrow. Perhaps even more important – it could prevent you from living with the guilt of taking someone else’s.

“On the road, you’re not just responsible for yourself—you’re responsible for everyone around you.” –Danica Patrick (IndyCar/NASCAR Driver)

The Science of Mirror Positioning

The first step in minimizing blind spots begins with proper mirror adjustment. Many drivers position their mirrors incorrectly, creating unnecessary blind zones around their vehicle.

Standard Mirror Adjustment Technique

1. Position the rearview mirror to best view cars approaching from behind.
2. Next, position your side view mirrors, leaning to the left and right as you position each mirror for the best view of the back corner of each side of your car.
3. Once the mirrors are in place, you can see an automobile approaching from behind in your rear-view mirror and then, as it passes on either side of your vehicle, in the side-view mirror.

The BGE Method for Optimal Mirror Positioning

Safety experts recommend the BGE (Blind-spot Glare Elimination) method for positioning side mirrors:

1. Sit in your normal driving position
2. Lean your head against the driver’s side window
3. Adjust the driver’s side mirror until you can barely see the side of your own car
4. Lean to the center of the vehicle
5. Adjust the passenger’s side mirror until you can barely see the side of your own car

This positioning creates a seamless transition of visibility as vehicles move from your rearview mirror into your side mirrors and finally into your peripheral vision, dramatically reducing traditional blind spots.

Blind Spot Danger Zones: Vehicle-Specific Information

How Well Do You Know Your Vehicle’s Blind Spots?

Take this quick quiz to assess your blind spot awareness:

1. Do you know exactly where your vehicle’s blind spots are located?
2. Can you estimate how large your blind spots are in feet/meters?
3. Do you know which mirror adjustments minimize blind spots?
4. Can you name three different techniques for checking blind spots?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, continue reading—this information could save your life.

Different vehicle types have different blind spot characteristics. Understanding these variations can further enhance your safety:

Passenger Cars

• Typical blind spots: Rear quarter panels on both sides
• Size: Approximately one car length
• Special consideration: Lower height makes visibility of higher vehicles better

SUVs and Minivans

• Typical blind spots: Larger rear quarter panel areas, significant rear blind spot
• Size: Can hide an entire small car
• Special consideration: Higher ride height creates larger blind spots for seeing smaller vehicles

Commercial Trucks

• Typical blind spots: Massive areas on right side, directly behind trailer, and immediately in front
• Size: Can hide multiple vehicles
• Special consideration: If you can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the driver can’t see you

The SMOG Technique: A Smart Method for Safe Lane Changes

While properly adjusted mirrors significantly improve safety, they should be complemented by the SMOG technique when changing lanes:

Step	Description	Why It Matters
Signal	Activate your turn signal early	Alerts other drivers to your intentions
Mirrors	Check all mirrors thoroughly	Provides initial awareness of surrounding traffic
Over the shoulder	Physically turn to check blind spots	Confirms no vehicles are hidden in blind zones
Go	Execute the lane change when safe	Completes the maneuver safely

 

This comprehensive approach ensures you’ve taken all possible precautions before executing a lane change, dramatically reducing your accident risk.

Blind-Spot Mirrors: An Additional Safety Layer

Blind spots are generally located to the back and side of your car. Automobiles traveling around the same rate of speed in these areas remain undetectable to you.

Cars are not the only vehicles to have blind spots. Motorcycles, 18-wheelers, and even tractor-trailers have them. Larger trucks having multiple blind spots around the cab and trailer.

Benefits of Blind-Spot Mirrors

• Blind-spot mirrors are smaller mirrors that are built-in or can be affixed to a car’s side-view mirrors
• They are adjustable or move with the mirrors, allowing you to position them to monitor hard-to-see angles
• Newer automobiles may include blind-spot mirrors as a standard feature
• Provide a wider angle of view of surrounding and rear-approaching traffic, improving visibility on the highway
• Allow you to assess traffic while merging or changing lanes with more ease and efficiency
• Help eliminate prolonged looks over your shoulder, which can lead to rear-end accidents
• Make backing up and parking easier, especially in areas with limited visibility

Remember: While blind-spot mirrors enhance safety, they are not a replacement for proper over-the-shoulder checks.

Modern Technology: Blind Spot Detection Systems Explained

New blind spot monitoring technology now makes it possible to more easily identify approaching rear and adjacent lane traffic, helping to prevent numerous sideswipe accidents.

A report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) states that blind spot detection technology reduces lane-change accidents by 14%. Detection tech also reduces the number of insurance claims for personal injuries and property damage.

How Modern Blind Spot Technology Works

Blind spot monitoring systems may combine the use of sensors on your car along with side-mounted cameras. The technology monitors the traffic in adjacent lanes and creates an audible alert when the sensors detect an automobile in the blind spot of these lanes. Some monitoring systems provide a virtual 360-degree birds-eye view so you can see all vehicles and obstacles around you.

Even newer technology may cause your car’s steering wheel to maneuver away from side-approaching traffic, centering you more in your travel lane and safely away from vehicles traveling in your blind spot. These tools can work when you are momentarily distracted or concentrating on other aspects of traffic around you.

Benefits of Blind Spot Detection Systems

• Addresses poor mirror positioning issues
• Provides early warnings, allowing more time to respond safely
• Works in conjunction with other safety features to prevent back-up accidents
• Protects pedestrians and children who may be in your vehicle’s blind spots
• Reduces driving stress in high-traffic situations
• Minimizes high-speed accidents that often result in significant injuries

Important: While no technology replaces the need for a visual check, it can significantly minimize viewing errors involving blind spots.

Teaching Others: Spreading Blind Spot Awareness

Safety knowledge is most effective when shared. Consider teaching these blind spot safety principles to:

• New teenage drivers in your family
• Elderly relatives who may be experiencing reduced mobility or vision
• Passengers who frequently ride with you so they understand why you take certain precautions

Creating a culture of blind spot awareness can multiply the safety benefits beyond just your own driving.

The Legal Implications of Blind Spot Accidents

From a legal perspective, blind spot awareness plays a critical role in determining liability after an accident. Drivers who fail to properly check their blind spots before changing lanes are generally considered negligent.

However, if you’ve been injured by another driver who claimed they “couldn’t see you” due to a blind spot, their defense may fall flat if:

• They failed to properly adjust their mirrors
• They didn’t perform an over-the-shoulder check
• Their vehicle was equipped with blind spot monitoring technology that they ignored
• They changed lanes abruptly without signaling

Understanding these legal nuances can dramatically strengthen your case if you’ve been injured in a blind spot-related accident.

Blind Spot Safety Checklist: Practical Steps for Daily Driving

Use this checklist to ensure you’re taking all necessary precautions:

• [ ] Mirrors properly adjusted using the BGE method
• [ ] Blind-spot mirrors installed if not already equipped
• [ ] SMOG technique practiced during every lane change
• [ ] Awareness of other vehicles’ blind spots (especially trucks)
• [ ] Blind spot monitoring system (if equipped) functioning properly
• [ ] Proper positioning in traffic to maximize visibility to other drivers
• [ ] Teaching passengers and family members about blind spot awareness

Don’t Become Another Blind Spot Statistic

Every day, drivers suffer life-changing injuries because of blind spot accidents. Don’t let lack of information put you at risk on the road—or leave you unprotected after an accident.

What To Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Blind Spot Accident

If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by another driver’s failure to check their blind spots:

1. Seek immediate medical attention, even for seemingly minor injuries
2. Document everything, including the position of vehicles and any statements made
3. Gather witness information from anyone who saw the accident
4. Report the accident to your insurance company
5. Contact an experienced attorney who understands blind spot accident liability

Contact our experienced car accident lawyers today for a free, no-obligation consultation about your specific situation. Remember, we only get paid when you win your case.

Share Your Blind Spot Safety Story

Have you had a close call or accident involving a blind spot? Share your experience in the comments below to help others learn from real-life situations.

This article was last updated on [April 7, 2025] and reflects the most current safety recommendations and legal considerations regarding blind spot accidents.