A motorist should understand the value and limitations of side-view mirrors. They’re useful for keeping an eye on oncoming vehicles. But there will always remain a blind spot.

You might not notice someone pulling ahead of you even if you adjust these mirrors, attach a convex blind-spot mirror, have an electronic sensor detection system, and/or coordinate side-view with rear-view mirror use.

The car coming from your right or left will remain visible for awhile, then disappear for a moment and reappear as it goes past.

I’ve had close calls when I didn’t pay attention carefully enough: Glancing at the side-view mirror, seeing no one in my way, I began turning into the next lane, almost crashed into a passing car, and had to swerve back into my own lane. My mother once advised that to be extra-vigilant I should rapidly (so as to not neglect focusing upon what’s in front of me) look over my shoulder before turning into a lane.

Instead of relying solely on artificial optical mechanisms when changing lanes, we should honor the testimony of our own eyes: see for ourselves.

Everyone is going at different speeds, with more or less horsepower, in vehicles of assorted sizes and curb weights. Their safety ratings vary. Awareness of or obliviousness to a rapidly accelerating automobile’s........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)