3 Essential Tips to Avoiding Car Blind Spot Accidents in Phoenix, AZ

All drivers have blind spots, and in a large metropolitan city like Phoenix, AZ, a blind spot accident can set back traffic for several miles. This is that negative space that is directly behind the driver’s side that is often blocked by the seat belt holder and other elements of the vehicle’s interior. Drivers also have a blind spot on the passenger side, it’s often the vehicle’s framing near the rear passenger and back window.

Blind spot detection is one of many safety modifications made to vehicles over the past couple of decades. Some models even have blind spot detection technology standard on their models, and other vehicles include indicators in the deluxe version of that make’s model.

Kelly Clark Automotive is dedicated to keeping your car safe to operate on Phoenix roadways, and our technicians are eager to provide advice on how to improve your driving habits. Here are three essential tips to being more aware of your vehicle’s blind spot while driving.

Rear Mirror Adjustment: All drivers should adjust their rearview mirrors to give the best possible view directly to the rear of their vehicle. This mirror is not designed to get a better view of either side of the car, the kids in the back seat or their dazzling smile. For obvious reasons, the rear view mirror should reflect the rear window for the best driving advantage.

Side Mirror Adjustments: Every driver can greatly improve blind spot visibility by properly adjusting side mirrors to give the widest coverage possible. We suggest making the adjustments to your side mirrors in your vehicle while seated in the driver’s seat before you start to drive.

Lean your head until it almost touches the driver’s side window. Adjust your left (driver’s side) mirror so that you can just barely see the side of your car. Then lean your head to the middle of the car and adjust the outside (passenger side) mirror so that you can barely see the right side of the car.

When drivers adjust their mirrors this way, they’ll have maximum coverage. Of course, driving is a dynamic process as road conditions change every second on Arizona roads and busy highways. It’s wise to take a quick look to the side when passing to make sure that another vehicle hasn’t moved into an area you couldn’t see in your mirrors.

Avoid Others’ Blinds Spots: As you drive around the Phoenix area, avoid staying in others’ blind spots. You can’t count on them to be watching their mirrors and looking out for you. Here are some tips for safe passing and merging on Arizona’s roads:

  • Avoid the blind spots. If you can’t see the driver’s face in one of their mirrors or in a window, they cannot see you.
  • Don’t follow too close. If you can’t see one of the truck’s mirrors, you’re too close.
  • Make sure there is plenty of room to pass. Trucks are long and take time to get around. If you’re on one of our local multiple lane highways, get far enough ahead where you can see their entire front grill before passing in front of them. If you’re on a two-lane highway, wait for a passing zone.
  • Don’t linger when passing. Because the blind spots are so big on the sides, you want to get through them quickly. If you can’t pass quickly, drop back.
  • Pass on the left whenever possible. A truck’s blind spot is much larger on the right.

The professional automotive technicians at Kelly Clark Automotive want you to watch those blind spots. If you need an electrical diagnostic for your blind spot indicators or any other vehicle need, schedule an appointment online or stop by. Kelly Clark Automotive Specialists is at 12th Street and Glendale Avenue behind the Dutch Bros.