Prius blind-spot accident

They are NOT broken, they are just out of turn signal fluid.

 

The method DeadPhish suggested on the first page appears to be the correct way to set the mirrors to avoid blind spots. This article talks about a technical paper that studied the geometry of blind spots and described the proper way to set the mirrors. The author, when testing this approach found it was identical to having a Blind Spot radar now beginning to appear in some cars.

Are Blind Spots a Myth? - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com

 

I've added these on every vehicle I've owned. I don't know why cars don't just come with them, I feel they're safety items. They do take a little learning before getting used to them, as my wife will attest - she doesn't use them and doesn't understand how they're used despite my attempts to show her. But I have to have them. I put them on the inside top corners of my mirrors - the spots least used on the larger mirror, and I try to always get the adjustable type so I can angle them to my preference, then adjust the larger mirror so that it sees a wide angle out from the side of the vehicle. The combination has saved me a number of times. And I also STILL look over my shoulder much of the time as I make a lane change. I guess I'm overly cautious.

 

Yes - they're not that easy to find in 1". We have a great motorcycle accessory shop in Denver that sells them.

 

I've had these mirrors on mine since it was a week old. Used sideview blindspot mirrors for many years and find it hard to drive without one.
Installed a convex mirror onto the rear mirror - it covers the entire right side of the car perfectly. Works great for me. Just a quick glance covers both sides well.

 

Bob, not sure what you may mean by extra weight. I bought the convex mirror at Auto Parts like Auto Zone etc. They typically have an array of mirror types. I removed it from the black frame it was mounted in, so only the mirror itself was left. Mounted it onto the stock Prius mirror with silicone adhesive and a small plastic block behind. Doubt if it weighs an extra 2 ounces. I have rightside vision issues, and this mirror covers the entire right side thru the windows from the rear little quarter to the middle of the right passenger window. So one quick glance and you can see anything there.

 

My reading of the OP suggests that the discussion should be about the A-pillar blind spots.

I've had a couple of startle moments when I have realized that I didn't see something 'hidden' by the A-pillars. I tend to lean forward, back, and sideways now when I'm looking for cross traffic.

 

I used this setup a few years ago, and had gotten away from it. After reading this thread, I set it up in the Prius, and agree that it works well. My passenger side mirror is swung out as far as it will travel, but it seems to do the job okay.

 

I find that folding the rear seat headrests forward when I have no rear passengers gives me a decent view right across the rear window.

 

I have little bubble mirrors on my side mirrors. Does the same thing.

 

I too am a motorcycle rider with well over 100k miles on the seat. My philosophy is that I will lose in an accident so I stay out of blind spots as much as possible and ride to be seen. I use the same philosophy in my car as well. So far it has worked quite nicely.

I once tried the "wide" setting of the outside mirrors and found that just made the blind spot right next to my car even bigger. I went back to my old way of setting them just beyond seeing the side of my vehicle. Set that way, my blind spot moves to a location easily checked with a quick glance. That setting also allows me to see the lane next to me for a good distance behind. That way, if there is a vehicle approaching at a higher rate of speed (think police officer) I'll know it and delay my lane change. That point hasn't been addressed yet in this thread.

 

I am with you, rtfs.
I find that cars moving quickly towards me are as much of a concern as cars near me moving at the same speed. So I look in the rear-view mirror first, then signal, then look in the side mirror, then turn my head and make my direction change if clear. As I am driving I tend to look around and back, and so know what other cars and things are nearby to within about 50 yards.

I rely on view redundancy. This makes me a slower lane changer, but I don't usually drive in big cities with aggressive drivers, and I am OK with having to drive around the block once in a while. Side mirrors are set wide. I think the main negative to my method is I leave the car in front of me neglected from view longer than ideal. This has not bit me yet though, because I do not tailgate. More than anything though, I listen to a little voice in my head that tells me if a lane change is high risk; and if so, I just don't.

 

the exact point i was trying to make!! blind spots have been around for EVERY car. what has not been around for every car is the ability to see well when turning left.

the problem is much worse if the level of the street to the left is below the street you are turning from.