How should you be checking your blind spots?

The best practice for checking your blind spots involves turning your head and checking your mirrors. This method combines the use of your side and rearview mirrors with a physical look over your shoulder, allowing you to see areas that might not be fully visible in your mirrors. Blind spots are typically the areas beside and behind your vehicle that cannot be seen through mirrors alone, so turning your head adds an important layer of awareness.

Using only mirrors limits your visibility because they have blind spots of their own, and there may be vehicles or obstacles that don’t appear in them. Relying solely on the rearview mirror does not adequately cover the side areas of your vehicle where other cars may be located. Similarly, using only the side mirrors also neglects potential hazards that could be directly behind you. Therefore, the combined approach of using mirrors while also physically checking your blind spots ensures a more comprehensive awareness of your surroundings and enhances overall safety when changing lanes or making turns.