Do blind spot mirrors work?

25/04/2023

No matter how long you have been driving, there’s always the possibility of getting into an accident. Even if you have plenty of experience behind the wheel, it’s impossible to predict what other hazards or incidents will occur on the road, so teaching learners to be aware of everything around them is crucial.

And one tool that could help with this is blind spot mirrors. So, read on to find out what these are, how they work and whether they are really worth using at all.

How do blind spot mirrors work?

Blind spot mirrors are small, curved mirrors that are usually attached to the wing mirrors of a car. They provide visuals of the spaces behind and to the side of the car that are normally difficult to see with just ordinary mirrors.

They are also known as convex mirrors or fish eye mirrors due to the way they curve, which is what gives drivers a wider view as light reflects off the mirror at different angles. However, like all mirrors, for blind spot mirrors to work, they must be positioned properly.

Advantages of blind spot mirrors

Blind spot mirrors offer a number of benefits, including:

1. Preventing accidents

One of the most important benefits of blind spot mirrors is that they allow drivers to see areas that they otherwise couldn't see from inside the car. Having this increased awareness can help to avoid incidents or collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles. This is especially useful when changing lanes as these mirrors can eliminate blind spots completely and ensure that drivers are aware of what’s around them.

2. Making driving easier

Having blind spot mirrors can take some of the stress out of driving. It removes the guesswork when turning, overtaking or changing lanes, meaning learners and experienced drivers alike can drive with much more confidence. This is a huge benefit in areas of heavy traffic, where the ability to respond quickly to changing road conditions is important. Having greater awareness of their surroundings is particularly beneficial to new drivers who already have so much to think about when they’re behind the wheel.

3. Providing a cost-effective safety measure

Blind spot mirrors are effective safety measures that really don’t cost a lot to install. While most new cars are fitted out with safety features like blind spot detection systems, these aren’t attainable for everyone. For newly-qualified drivers in particular, having an affordable alternative in the form of blind spot mirrors is very beneficial.

4. Reducing the chances of damage when parking

Whether it's a bay park, a parallel park or a reverse park, the lack of 360-degree visibility can make parking difficult for a lot of drivers. However, a properly-installed blind spot mirror can provide greater visibility, especially at the rear of the car, helping drivers to avoid scratching or denting their vehicle's bodywork.

It may also help to speed up parking for learner drivers who are not as confident, especially when parallel parking – it's much easier to see how close they are getting to the curb with a blind spot mirror, ensuring they aren't too far out into the road.

Disadvantages of blind spot mirrors

There are also a few minor disadvantages that are worth considering, so here are some of the things to be aware of before installing blind spot mirrors.

1. Distortion

Due to the shape of the mirrors, they can create some distortion. For those who are new to using blind spot mirrors, this can make it difficult to judge the distance and speed of oncoming traffic. In this case, it’s important for drivers to exercise caution and make sure they are driving carefully.

2. Requires adjustment

When someone has relied on their wing and rear-view mirrors for so long, it can take time to get used to these additional mirrors. However, they are easy enough to install, so even if they aren’t used all of the time, it’s worth fitting them anyway. For this reason, it’s a good idea for driving instructors to have blind spot mirrors on their cars so that young learners can get used to using them straight away.

3. Not useful at night

Blind spot mirrors are not designed to absorb harsh reflections and glare, making it harder to see out of them at night. In some cases, they may even be blinding, causing a distraction. So for people who drive a lot at night, these mirrors may not be an ideal solution.

Are blind spot mirrors necessary?

While blind spot mirrors are not actually required by law, they are a great addition to a car for safety purposes. If you are a driving instructor, they can provide both yourself and your learners with a better view of any people, bikes or cars that are right next to or behind the vehicle, especially when turning, changing lanes or overtaking. Teaching learners how to use them as soon as possible is the best way for them to get into the habit of checking their blind spots too.

Here at Grade Six Supplies (GS6), we are a driving school that supplies driver education materials in the United Kingdom and Ireland. If you’re part of a driving school, blind spot mirrors are an important piece of equipment to have in your car.

If you are still unsure of whether you need them, make sure to get in touch with us today to find out more. Alternatively, you can order your blind spot mirrors now.