Every driver has experienced that heart-stopping moment—checking the mirrors, signalling a lane change, and then suddenly realising there’s a car right beside them. That’s the danger of blind spots.
Blind spots are one of the most common causes of road accidents, yet many drivers don’t fully understand how to check them properly or reduce the risks they pose. Whether you're a new driver or have years of experience behind the wheel, understanding blind spots and how to manage them is crucial for road safety.
What Are Car Blind Spots?
A blind spot is an area around your vehicle that isn’t visible through your rear-view or side mirrors. These are typically found:
Along the sides of your car – especially near the rear doors and rear quarter panels.
Behind the rear of the vehicle – where the back window or boot limits visibility.
Near the front corners – where large A-pillars (the frame around the windscreen) can obscure pedestrians and cyclists.
While modern cars come equipped with advanced safety features, no vehicle is completely free of blind spots.
Why Blind Spots Are Dangerous
Blind spots increase the risk of collisions, especially when:
Changing lanes – A vehicle hidden in your blind spot can lead to a dangerous side-swipe accident.
Merging onto motorways – If you're unaware of a car beside you, merging can become a major hazard.
Turning at junctions – Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists can disappear into blind spots near the front corners of your car.
Reversing or parking – Large rear blind spots make it easy to miss objects, poles, or even people behind the vehicle.
Understanding where your blind spots are—and taking steps to check them—can significantly reduce accident risks.
How to Check Your Blind Spots Properly
Checking blind spots effectively requires more than just glancing in your mirrors. Here’s what you need to do:
Adjusting Your Mirrors for Maximum Visibility
Properly adjusted mirrors help minimise blind spots:
Side mirrors – Position them so you can just see the edge of your car while maximising visibility of the adjacent lanes.
Rear-view mirror – Adjust it so you have a clear, unobstructed view of the road behind.
Use the "blind spot minimisation" method – Instead of overlapping mirror coverage, angle your side mirrors slightly outward to cover the area where your rear-view mirror's visibility ends.
The Right Way to Check Blind Spots
Mirrors alone aren’t enough—you also need to physically check blind spots. Before changing lanes or merging:
Check your mirrors first to see the traffic situation.
Turn your head slightly to check over your shoulder (this quick glance is often called a “shoulder check”).
Use indicators early to warn other drivers of your intention.
Make your move smoothly while staying aware of surrounding traffic.
Relying on mirrors alone is a common mistake—always combine mirror checks with a quick shoulder glance.
Tips to Minimise Blind Spot Risks
While blind spots can’t be completely eliminated, there are ways to reduce their impact.
Using Blind Spot Monitoring Technology
Many modern cars come with blind spot monitoring (BSM) systems, which use sensors to detect vehicles in your blind spot and provide a warning—usually via a light in your side mirror or an audible alert.
Other helpful safety features include:
Rear cross-traffic alerts – Warns of approaching vehicles when reversing.
360-degree cameras – Provides a full view around the car when manoeuvring.
Lane departure warnings – Alerts drivers when drifting out of their lane without signalling.
Safe Driving Techniques to Avoid Blind Spot Accidents
Adopting safe driving habits can further reduce the risks:
Avoid driving in other vehicles' blind spots – If you're next to another car, speed up or slow down slightly to ensure you're visible.
Stay aware of motorcyclists and cyclists – They are more likely to be hidden in blind spots.
Be extra cautious in bad weather – Rain and fog can reduce visibility, making blind spots even more dangerous.
Blind Spot Safety for Motorcyclists & Cyclists
Motorcyclists and cyclists face even greater risks from blind spots. To stay safe:
Avoid lingering next to cars or lorries—especially near their rear quarter panels.
Make yourself visible by wearing bright clothing and using lights.
Be prepared for sudden lane changes from vehicles that may not have seen you.
Blind Spot Awareness for Different Driving Situations
Blind spots present unique challenges depending on the situation.
Changing Lanes & Merging Safely
Always signal in advance before changing lanes.
Perform a shoulder check before moving over.
Be mindful of fast-moving vehicles approaching from behind—they may enter your blind spot quickly.
Parking & Reversing Blind Spot Safety
Use rear-view cameras if available, but don’t rely on them entirely.
Look over your shoulder when reversing instead of only using mirrors.
Check for pedestrians—especially children—who may be out of sight behind your car.
Overtaking and Being Overtaken
Check your mirrors and blind spots before overtaking another vehicle.
Be cautious when passing large vehicles—they have larger blind spots.
Watch for sudden lane changes from drivers who might not have seen you.
FAQs About Car Blind Spots
Where is the biggest blind spot in a car?
The largest blind spots are typically on the rear sides of the vehicle, particularly in larger cars, SUVs, and lorries.
Do all cars have the same blind spots?
No. Blind spot size varies depending on vehicle design, with larger vehicles having bigger blind spots. Modern cars with camera systems and smaller window pillars tend to have fewer visibility issues.
Can blind spots be eliminated completely?
Not entirely, but they can be minimised with proper mirror adjustment, driver awareness, and blind spot monitoring technology.
Final Thoughts
Blind spots are a natural part of driving, but knowing how to check and manage them can help prevent accidents. By adjusting your mirrors correctly, using proper blind spot checks, and taking advantage of modern safety technology, you can stay safe on the road.
If you’ve been involved in an accident due to a blind spot issue, find out how we can help. Our team is here to guide you through the claims process and get you back on the road with confidence.
