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Joined: Aug 2002
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I had read about this in an auto insurance newsletter a while back, and gave it a try. It took some getting used to, but now I can't stand to not have my mirrors set up this way. The "blind spot" is practically eliminated.

In the first article listed below, there are two items you should be sure to note. First is the comment about proper adjustment of the passenger side mirror; second is the caveat about SUVs, trucks, etc.
http://www.nasoceana.navy.mil/Safety/Home%20Page/SideMirrorAdjustment.htm
http://rota-www.med.navy.mil/safety/Safety_Topics1/English/mirrors_a_new_prespective.htm
http://www.seniordrivers.org/Preparation/mirrorsw.cfm
http://www.securitydriver.com/aic/stories/article-101.html
http://www.securityworld.com/library/automotive/blindzone.html
http://www.shedrives.com/scholar.asp?Loc=RS&scholar=2300

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Interesting. What does anybody think of the convex side mirrors which are common these days? They give a wider view behind which can help eliminate blind spots as well, but they sure make things look much farther away than they are.

The fourth link has some interesting comments about having hands on the wheel at 9 and 3 rather than 10 and 2. It becomes natural to drop one hand from the wheel when cruising along more or less straight, and I generally find myself holding at just 9 or 3 too.

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[Linked Image from incolor.inebraska.com]

Joined: Jul 2002
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Hey ThinkGood,
That's a really amazing concept!. [Linked Image]
I've just set my mirrors up on my Truck like that and went for a drive this morning and the results are quite astounding.
Thanks for that info, you learn something new everyday I guess.

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I hope that is what is being taught now in "Drivers' Ed" (is that still taught today?) though I imagine most parents don't use that method so they can't pass it along.

On a side note, when I first moved to New Jersey, I had to take the written exam to transfer my license from out of state. (I believe they have now done away with the testing requirement.) There was so much emphasis on drunk driving (how many drinks = what Blood Alcohol Content, the penalties, etc.) yet not much of an emphasis on the penalties for failure to signal a lane change, etc. I agree that drunk driving is an important topic, but the other safety topics are important as well!

Joined: Jun 2003
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When I first learned to drive BIG trucks (Fire vehicles), the one think my coach taught me (a tow truck driver) was "Trust your mirrors, and use them".

After years of "over-the-shoulder" it was a difficult transition, but I got to the point where I was good enough to back a 24' box truck down my folk's narrow driveway without hitting anything. After watching the whole thing, Dad just smirked, and walked up to me, saying:

"Well, I guess you've gotten better at that, 'cause I don't think I could've done that in one shot"

BTW, I use the convex "bullseye" mirrcrs. I like 'em.

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DougW,
It must be an International thing with Fire vehicle driver training, and reversing with mirrors!. [Linked Image]
Given that you can't see through the back window of most Fire Appliances.
I never look over my shoulder when reversing, I haven't in years, but you are right, it IS a hard habit to break.
Another thing that really annoys me about drivers over here, is thier inability to reverse a car with a trailer connected to it, without getting the thing all twisted up.
You should see the local Refuse Dump on a Saturday afternoon, it's like watching a pit full of snakes!. [Linked Image]

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A friend of mine who is a retired truck-driver is always complaining about the way some people make a hash of simple maneuvers.

It is true though. I've watched people in the High St. (Main St. of town) trying to park in between other cars and getting in a real mess, often because they insist on driving in forwards.

I once watched someone have about a half dozen attempts at getting a really small car into such a space one day. It should have been easy -- When he finally gave up and drove off my 18 ft. of Pontiac went in (backwards) easily.

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Ah yes Paul,
Parallel parking.
It's one of the most basic skills taught to young drivers here.
I got used to that one at 15, so why can't a 30 or 40 y/o master it?. [Linked Image]

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If you have DSL, cable, etc., check out:
http://www.policedriving.com/Videos.htm

Scroll down to "Fun Videos" and look at the one about parallel parking!


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