Every driver knows about the Blind Spots (we hope!). Those are the areas around your vehicle that are obstructed from your view while you are sitting in your driver seat, looking ahead or in the mirrors.
There actually several blind spots, but the ones most people think about when they hear Blind Spots are the two main ones – the one on the left and right side of your vehicle; those spots your side mirrors can’t see.
It’s critical – heck, it’s crucial! – that your teen driver (and really all drivers) develop that habit of checking those blind spots when they make a lane change, or make a turn. But how do you check the blind spot? You might think it’s common sense, but the first time your teen practices checking the blind spot without you telling them how, don’t be surprised if you see her craning her neck as far as she can and carefully inspecting that blind spot. That’s not how it’s done!
When you check a blind spot, it’s just a real quick head turn; it shouldn’t take longer than it does to snap your fingers (not by much, anyway). That’s all it takes. You don’t need to see what is in your blind spot, you just need to see if there is something in your blind spot.
And don’t let anyone tell you that you can adjust your mirrors to eliminate the blind spot. That’s just not true. You can move the blind spot, but you cannot eliminate it. Turn you head, folks. Check that blind spot!
Watch this video to see Patrick Barrett, the Driver Education Guru, explain more about teaching the blind spot.