Are blind spots a myth? I say yes. (vehicles, 2009, convertibles) - Automotive -Sports cars, sedans, coupes, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, tickets, dealers, repairs, gasoline, drivers... - City-Data Forum

Sayantsi · 08-21-2009, 12:16 PM

Are Blind Spots a Myth? - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com

Article about the new blind spot systems on cars, and how they aren't really necessary if you set your mirrors properly.

Here's the cited article on how to set your mirrors - http://www.sae.org/technical/papers/950601

The basic tenet is, if you can see your car in the mirrors, your mirrors aren't adjusted properly. I know many people that feel they need to see the side of their car in the mirrors, then complain that they can't see cars in their quarter views.

iTsLiKeAnEgG · 08-21-2009, 12:23 PM

I think that some vehicles certainly have poorer visibility compared to other vehicles. This is often true with two door sports cars where visibility is sacrificed for style.

stan4 · 08-21-2009, 12:23 PM

Dude...adjust all you want. Some of those soft-top convertibles have ginormous blind spots.

Synergy1 · 08-21-2009, 12:30 PM

New government courses on proper adjustment of mirrors require the government driver to have at least 1/3 of the vehich in their view at all times. Given this rule or not there are many blind sport in vehicles and more in older "covertibles"

I would believe that the governement tests are more accurate because the govt. is "self insured".....

M3 Mitch · 08-21-2009, 12:32 PM

Yeah, totally depends on the car, the 4th gen Corvette definitely has huge blind spots, you damn near can't see enough out the back of the car to back it up really.

Also depends on the sitting height of the driver.

Gimme3steps · 08-21-2009, 12:46 PM

I keep my mirrors adjusted so I can just see the sides of my truck. I use the sides as a reference point.

If you check your mirrors often enough, you'll know when someone is in your blind spot and then you can proceed accordingly.

Coldjensens · 08-21-2009, 01:49 PM

Why do you need to see behind you?

ovcatto · 08-21-2009, 01:54 PM

Adjust the mirrors!?! I've had cars where the center board rear view mirror created the blind spot!

getmeoutofhere · 08-21-2009, 02:07 PM

I am always amazed when I get in a demo and look at the sideview mirrors and see it 80% filled with the side of the car.

What are these people looking at? The paint job?

Sayantsi · 08-21-2009, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

Why do you need to see behind you?

First rule of Italian driving, you don't need to know what's behind you.