What is the benefit of knowing your vehicle's blind spots?

Knowing your vehicle's blind spots is crucial for safe driving, particularly when changing lanes or merging into traffic. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that cannot be easily seen through mirrors. Understanding these zones enables you to check them more thoroughly—usually by turning your head or using additional mirrors—before making any lane changes or maneuvers. This awareness significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by a lack of visibility.

When you are aware of where your blind spots are, you can take proactive measures to ensure that other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians are not present in those areas before executing a potentially hazardous move. This skill is a fundamental aspect of defensive driving and contributes to overall road safety.