I wrote the last post as a supporter of the newer side mirror adjustment. I've been doing it for while, but only partially. I didn't see much of my own car's back, and the traditional blindspot is reduced. I was doing OK until I discovered ultra mini cars!
Since I research into the newer blindspot elimination method, I was so sure, and therefore written the last post.
After going all the way, here's the problem I have, mostly wasn't mentioned by the single guy who opposed the newer method.
For the old method, the rear mirror gives you a broad view of the situation. The centre view of the mirror is enough. For the new method, the extreme sides of the mirror is very important, that's where you see the cars right behind you before they appear at the side mirrors. The problem is, in most cars the rear mirror is partially blocked by seat rests. It is worse at night as cars become light spots at the four corners.
In the old method, you do not need the rear mirror to change lanes (though you have to check it first). In the new method, you should. If you see nothing in the side mirror, a car may still be moving fast into view. That is killing your neck and use much more time. Imagine that I have a mile to cut through 8 lanes at an 80 mph traffic congestion.
In the practical world, depending on which country you drive, half of the drivers don't see your signalling to change lane soon enough, 10% will let you through, while 40% will try to block you. Now you need very much to see the cars you are trying to pass. You have to continuously watch their reaction to your signals. They may accelerate, slow down to give you sufficient space, or doing anything else as if you never signalled. In the new method, the best case is that you don't see anything on the side mirrors, and checking on that direction that there's nothing on your blind spot. It's uncomfortable, like not watching your enemies.
In tight spaces, it's more comfortable to have a reference to your car to judge if you have sufficient space to pass, and you can see the other car as you are passing. The new method don't give you that, you see nothing.
Because of these reasons, I'm going back to the traditional method, looking for other ways to eliminate blind spot to make changing lane a pleasure. The problem of blind spot mirrors is that, you don't want to glue something on your mirror of your brand new spot car!
Since I research into the newer blindspot elimination method, I was so sure, and therefore written the last post.
After going all the way, here's the problem I have, mostly wasn't mentioned by the single guy who opposed the newer method.
For the old method, the rear mirror gives you a broad view of the situation. The centre view of the mirror is enough. For the new method, the extreme sides of the mirror is very important, that's where you see the cars right behind you before they appear at the side mirrors. The problem is, in most cars the rear mirror is partially blocked by seat rests. It is worse at night as cars become light spots at the four corners.
In the old method, you do not need the rear mirror to change lanes (though you have to check it first). In the new method, you should. If you see nothing in the side mirror, a car may still be moving fast into view. That is killing your neck and use much more time. Imagine that I have a mile to cut through 8 lanes at an 80 mph traffic congestion.
In the practical world, depending on which country you drive, half of the drivers don't see your signalling to change lane soon enough, 10% will let you through, while 40% will try to block you. Now you need very much to see the cars you are trying to pass. You have to continuously watch their reaction to your signals. They may accelerate, slow down to give you sufficient space, or doing anything else as if you never signalled. In the new method, the best case is that you don't see anything on the side mirrors, and checking on that direction that there's nothing on your blind spot. It's uncomfortable, like not watching your enemies.
In tight spaces, it's more comfortable to have a reference to your car to judge if you have sufficient space to pass, and you can see the other car as you are passing. The new method don't give you that, you see nothing.
Because of these reasons, I'm going back to the traditional method, looking for other ways to eliminate blind spot to make changing lane a pleasure. The problem of blind spot mirrors is that, you don't want to glue something on your mirror of your brand new spot car!
