Over 600,000 accidents occur each year in the US due to lane changes, resulting in over 200 deaths. The author recommends adjusting side mirrors to a 90 degree angle rather than facing the side of the vehicle, to reduce blind spots and improve visibility of nearby traffic. With side mirrors angled outward, drivers will be able to see other vehicles sooner and for a longer period of time when changing lanes, which can help avoid accidents. The document provides instructions and reasons for adjusting side mirror position to improve safety when driving.

1. DEFENSIVE DRIVING
“ A BETTER USE OF MIRRORS”
DEFENSIVE DRIVING
Ing. Miguel An gel Espin osa
Se gu r id a d Ind .

2. AVOID ACCIDENTS WHEN CHANGING
LANES … KEEP SIDE MIRRORS AT 90º TO
REDUCE
BLIND AREAS
Good visibility = Zero accidentes
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3. OVER 600,000 ACCIDENTS OCCUR IN THE
UNITED STATES WHEN PEOPLE ARE
CHANGING LANES.
More than 200 people are killed every
year due to these accidents.
60% of the drivers who caused the
accident say they didn’t see the other
vehicle.
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4. YOUR REAR-VIEW MIRROR (Front Windshield)
IS NOT ENOUGH
It only shows
the traffic
behind you
What can be
seen with only
the rear-view
mirror
BLI
ND
ARE
A
VIEW AREA
BLIN
A
ARE
D
BUT
You can’t see the vehicles at your right
and left unless they are very close
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5. NORMAL POSITION OF SIDE MIRRORS
(YOU SEE THE SIDE OF YOUR VEHICLE)
Use of rearview and side
mirrors
BL
I
ND
AR
AND
EA
Blind areas are
smaller
VIEW
AREA
D
IN
BL
EA
AR
other vehicles remain visible for a
longer time
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6. NEW POSITION OF SIDE MIRRORS
(YOU OBSERVE THE ROAD, NOT THE SIDE OF YOUR CAR)
Keep side
mirror(s) at 90
degrees – see the
road not the side
of your vehicle
This way you will
only have 4 small
blind areas
D
A
E
R
New View
Area
N
A
A
R
E
A
I
L
B
I
N
D
B
L
VIEW AREA
B
L
I
B
L
I
N
D
N
D
A
A
R
E
A
R
E
A
New View
Area
You will see other vehicles much faster and for
longer periods
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7. 5 GOOD REASONS TO KEEP SIDE MIRRORS
AT 90º
• You will not need to look over your shoulders
(although this is not a bad idea)
• You will only need to give the mirror(s) a quick
look to spot the blind area(s). (The former method
takes too long to look and return to the normal
position, making you lose sight of what is in front
of you)
• Looking at the mirror(s) only keeps you focused on
what is in front of you
• You will have a better view, including blind areas
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8. GOOD VISIBILITY MEANS ZERO
ACCIDENTS
It will take you some time to get used
to the new mirrors position.
Be persistent, this will help you to
improve your safety and comfort.
Ing. M i gu e l A ngel Es p inos a

9. GOOD VISIBILITY MEANS ZERO
ACCIDENTES
Try repositioning your side mirrors
today.
AND
….
Drive more safely
Ing. M i gu e l A ngel Es p inos a

10. GOOD VISIBILITY MEANS ZERO
ACCIDENTES
Try repositioning your side mirrors
today.
AND
….
Drive more safely
Ing. M i gu e l A ngel Es p inos a