How to drive correctly using rear view mirrors

Mistakes that even experienced drivers make when adjusting mirrors

Successful parking, confident reversing and maneuvering in traffic - all this is (almost) impossible without correctly adjusted mirrors. After the driver has taken the correct driving position, it’s time to set up the “all-round view” settings.

Common mistakes when adjusting mirrors

Check out the mistakes that many drivers make - after all, being able to quickly and correctly adjust the mirrors is important for any motorist, especially when you have to drive another car. And yes: if you see the rear wing of the car in the side mirror, something has gone wrong.

Sequencing

Many drivers, slumped into a seat, first “knock out” the mirrors, and then get comfortable. But with this approach, the review that was initially configured is lost. And already during the journey, the driver has to wriggle or adjust the mirrors directly in the direction of travel in order to at least see something.

This is correct: first adjust the seat and its back, then take a comfortable position and only then adjust the mirrors.

Viewing angle: too close

The most common mistake that novice drivers often make is when the side mirrors are adjusted so that they display most of the car, including the door handle and B-pillar. At the same time, the “blind spot” increases, and the risk of an accident when maneuvering increases due to the fact that a car is driving nearby, which is simply not visible in the mirror configured in this way.

Viewing angle: too distant

If you adjust the side mirrors in such a way as to minimize the “blind” spots, that is, move them as far away from the body as possible, the driver will not be able to properly navigate the dimensions.

The mirrors, turned as far away from the body as possible, do not cover the space behind the car at all - and this is where a motorcycle or a car that plans to overtake could be driving.

In addition, mirrors configured in this way are a real trap for novice drivers, who confuse them even in terms of determining the lane - it is difficult to distinguish yours from the neighboring one when you cannot see the car in the mirror at all.

In the normal version, the car’s wing should be visible in the mirror, and the rest of the view should be the road and cars on the right or left of it, respectively.

You cannot adjust the mirror based on body elements or so that the viewing angle falls on the sky - and very little on the road.

You need to set the viewing angle according to the relationship between the road and the horizon line: it should “cut” the mirror exactly in the middle.

Adjusting the interior mirror at an angle

In the rearview mirror, the driver should see the rear window completely (!). Adjusting the interior mirror slightly at an angle towards you is only a way to see the faces of those sitting behind you; this has nothing to do with safety.

The center of view of the interior mirror should be in the middle of the opening of the rear window of the car, and through the mirror itself the driver should see the entire window.

Setup on the move

Many people get behind the wheel with the idea that it will be easier to figure out how to adjust the mirrors as they drive, and they hit the road. But while driving, it is difficult to fix the mirrors in the correct position - the horizon line is unstable while the car is moving, setting it turns into a real quest. Moreover, the driver is distracted by adjusting the mirrors, often reaching across the entire cabin to adjust the mirror on the right side, and in these seconds he is distracted from driving the car - and this is already an emergency factor.

Spending a couple of minutes of time on correctly setting the mirrors before starting a trip is not such a big luxury, especially since we are talking about safety.

Neglecting the right mirror

Somehow, but all drivers adjust the left mirror - but they often forget about the right one, intentionally or simply out of habit. It seems like all the information can be obtained from the left side and rear view mirrors.

In fact, the right mirror provides invaluable information too - and it is important to look at it regularly, especially when driving on a road with 4 or more lanes. In addition, the right mirror is very helpful when parking to understand what distance is left to the curb.

Fixed mirror position for all situations

Side mirrors are needed not only to see what is happening on the road behind and next to the car, they are also a great help when parking and maneuvering in reverse. By lowering them lower, you can clearly see the curb, wheels and bumps on the road. This method helps you park close to an obstacle and avoid cutting your tires when hitting a curb. After completing the element, it is important not to forget to return the mirrors to their working position, that is, align them again with the horizon.

Hope (only) for mirrors

Of course, properly adjusted mirrors are better than non-adjusted ones and provide a sufficient viewing angle. But this doesn’t make the “blind” spots in the car go away, so if your car doesn’t have all-round cameras, don’t be lazy, every time before changing lanes, turn your head a little and make sure there’s no other car driving next to the side.

How will be correct?

To reduce your blind spots and avoid getting into a stupid accident, take a couple of minutes to properly adjust your mirrors.

Adjusting the left mirror

The driver leans to the left so as to slightly press his head to the left shoulder and slightly touch the glass.

Then he adjusts the mirror so that he can see the left wing and the driver's door handle, but this picture only takes up 1/4 or 1/5 of the overall view in the mirror.

When the driver sits up straight and looks in the mirror without bending his head, he sees only the rear part of the body there: the rest of the viewing area is occupied by the road.

The center of the horizon line falls on the center of the mirror, so that the road surface occupies approximately 60% of the overall image.

Adjusting the right mirror

The driver tilts his head so that it is in the center of the longitudinal axis of the car. He looks in the right mirror and adjusts it so that it reflects the rear wing.

Upon returning to the normal position, the driver sees only the edge of the bumper in the right side mirror: this will help in the parking process and at the same time reduce the “blind” zone.

The vertical tilt of the mirror is set in the same way as the left one: so that the horizon line is approximately in the middle, and the road occupies approximately 60% of the view.

Adjusting the interior mirror

A rearview mirror is needed in order to piece together the “picture” from the side mirrors and see what is happening behind the car.

Having taken a comfortable position in the seat, the driver turns the mirror so that the rear window is completely visible through it. The vertical and horizontal center lines of the mirror and glass must match.

Important Tips

When adjusting the side mirrors, the driver must see the road markings in them and be aware of which lane his car is in and which lane the neighboring ones are in.

Only experienced drivers can use additional spherical mirrors that are glued to the side mirrors - they greatly distort the image.

Train yourself to adjust the mirrors only when the car is stationary. If the settings go wrong along the way, it is better to pull over to the side of the road, calmly make all the adjustments, and then continue on your way.

Constantly look at the mirrors: instructors recommend scanning the situation every 7 seconds. Try to remember which cars are driving behind you, what maneuvers they make, who is driving in the adjacent lanes, so as not to miss their appearance next to your car - in the “blind” spot.

Are you planning to rebuild? Take a quick glance, turning your head slightly over your shoulder - this way you will protect yourself from a collision when maneuvering.

When reversing, be sure to turn around, look out the glass, and only then (after checking the mirrors too) begin the maneuver.

To check that the mirrors are adjusted correctly, have someone walk around the car at a distance of about two meters in a circle. Watch the person in the mirror: he should not disappear from sight.

Learn how to avoid getting into a truck's blind spot when driving next to it in this article.

How to drive correctly using rear view mirrors

Post by Uni » 13 Dec 2009, 15:52

I studied at the dacha .. back on the Volga ..
Two obstacles immediately arose there ..
The first was a U-turn between the trees at the end of the street in reverse.
And the second is the closest positioning of the car to the fence.

Well, in general, on the first one.. I was tormented.. it didn’t work out..
it turned into a bunch of comings back and forth, back and forth..
Once the sales left mirror was slightly torn off.. it bent in the other direction when I was turning it back.
Well, time passed.. and now I turn around naturally without any problems..
Neighbors who are summer residents ask to turn around their cars too, or are afraid to go there themselves..

Well, about parallel parking in reverse...
I was lucky that on the Volga there were rubber moldings and a chain-link fence at the dacha

. So sometimes I was very close to the fence..

How long ago was that!

Although I noticed this...
On the Volga, the mirrors are straight... and I had no problems with parallel parking on it, it fit right next to any building..
On the focus, my mirrors have beveled edges.
It helps a lot in the city, blind spots are visible.. BUT!! Since I parked at the dacha near the fence on the Volga, I can’t park on the focus.. because I don’t see a clear boundary.. the image goes away.. becomes askew..

Well, what do I recommend... practice... more practice... and study not between cars, but somewhere in similar conditions... near the garage.. at the dacha, etc.

Yes, and I remember at the autodrome when they were teaching parallel parking, there were cones that were not visible in the mirrors at all..
The instructor was running.. he stood up like a cone.

How to drive in reverse correctly

Most motorists usually drive forward. Sometimes you may have to drive in reverse, for example when you need to parallel park.

Moving backwards may seem difficult initially, especially if you haven't had enough practice.

Luckily, learning to drive in reverse is quite easy. By following a few simple steps, you can learn to ride fast.

How to control reversing

To learn how to ride in reverse, first adjust your seat position. First, you need to set up your seat so that you can press the brake or gas in any situation, even if your body is slightly turned when you move backwards. The seat position should allow you to easily and comfortably turn and look over your right shoulder, while still being able to apply the brakes and stop quickly if necessary.

If you need to drive in reverse for a long time, it's best to move the seat closer to the steering wheel and then move it back again when you need to drive straight.

After adjusting the seat, mirrors and checking the seat belt, you can start moving backwards. Depending on the type of car you have, you can do this in one of several ways. Your car's transmission shift mechanism is located either on the steering column or on the floor; Depending on the car model, the transmission can be automatic or manual.

• Option 1: Automatic transmission on the steering wheel. For vehicles with a steering wheel-mounted automatic transmission, the brake must be depressed when engaging reverse gear. Do not take your foot off the brake or turn until you are in reverse.
• Option 2: Automatic transmission on the floor. The same goes for cars with automatic transmissions with a floor shifter. Hold the brake and move the gearshift down and into reverse.
• Option 3: Manual transmission on the floor. For a car with a manual transmission, the floor-mounted reverse is opposite fifth gear and usually requires an additional downward push.

When using a manual transmission to drive in reverse, your left foot should press the clutch while your right foot operates the gas and brake.

Correct use of the rear window when driving backwards

The rear view glass provides additional visibility to pedestrians, vehicles or other obstacles behind you. Do not forget that when you turn the steering wheel to the right, the rear of the car will also begin to move to the right, and the movement to the left will be displayed in the mirror.

Driving in reverse using mirrors

Install mirrors. Make sure your mirrors are adjusted correctly before reversing. Once adjusted, the mirrors should give you a full field of view.

Keep in mind that after adjusting the seat position, you will need to adjust the mirrors again to restore the required visibility.

How to learn to make turns

If you turn the front wheels to the right, the rear of the manual car turns to the left. The same goes for turning right when turning the steering wheel to the left is required. Do not make sharp turns while driving in the opposite direction.

Step-by-step steering wheel movements allow you to adjust your course more easily than sharp turns. Use the brake if necessary and avoid applying too much gas.

Maneuvering and stopping

After changing gear, you can start moving in reverse. At this point you can turn and slowly release the brake.

Also, to avoid driving too fast and backing up correctly, don't press the gas pedal unless you have to. Focus on where you are going and, if necessary, use the brakes to slow down.

• Step 1: Look around. Make sure the area around your vehicle is clear of pedestrians or other moving vehicles. Turn left and look out the driver's side window. Continue scanning the area until you look over your right shoulder.
• Step 2: Look over your right shoulder. Keep your left hand in the middle of the steering wheel, place your right hand on the back of the passenger seat and look over your right shoulder. If necessary, you can squeeze the brake, stop and again carefully inspect the area around the car so as not to hit passing or parked cars or pedestrians.
• Step 3: Use only your left hand to control the vehicle while reversing. Keep in mind that when driving in reverse, turning the steering wheel turns your vehicle in the opposite direction as when driving forward.

Electronic assistants

On-board computers of modern cars, as well as new devices and gadgets on the market, offer solutions for driving in reverse. The most popular include:

Thanks to the introduction of technology into the automotive industry, reversing has become much easier and safer. A set of infrared sensors scans the space around the car and, if necessary, signals the driver about the appearance of an obstacle on the way.

The system records the space around the car and transmits a digital image model with a top view. It will be especially convenient for novice drivers.

Digital rear view mirror with camera image playback function.

The system consists of a rear-mounted camera and a screen that replaces the rearview mirror. The advantages of using this technology include a wide viewing angle, a clear image, the absence of obstacles such as rear row seats, and an improved image in low light conditions.

Such a system blocks the wheels when an obstacle suddenly appears. Recommended for beginners and inexperienced drivers.

Precautionary measures

Put on your seat belt. As a final safety precaution, fasten your seat belt before performing any reverse maneuver using your mirrors. The same applies to driving in reverse.

IMPORTANT! Make sure the seat belt is positioned over your shoulder as specified by the manufacturer. Proper use of seat belts can help prevent injury in the event of an accident.

To do this, simply use the brake. Driving in reverse is not that difficult if you follow the steps mentioned above. As long as you monitor your vehicle at all times and drive slowly, you should have no problem transporting your vehicle to the location where you need to park or stop. Be sure to make sure your mirrors and brakes are working properly.

12 tricks for novice drivers that are not taught in driving school

Even those who have not been driving for the first time do not always know about the subtleties and nuances that make driving life easier.

Bright Side tells you how to feel at ease on the road, learn to avoid dangerous situations and become a confident driver.

12. Check if the mirrors are adjusted correctly

If the mirrors are not adjusted correctly, then there is a blind spot - a part of the road that you cannot see, so you may not notice the car in the next lane. To avoid it, adjust the side mirrors so that your car is not visible in them (or only slightly visible). To check for a blind spot, slowly reverse past another parked car while looking in your side mirror. Once she has disappeared from the mirror, you should be able to see her in your peripheral vision. The rear view mirror is adjusted so that the rear window of the car is fully visible . When adjusting your mirrors, take the position in which you usually drive your car.

11. Learn to feel where the wheels are

To be able to avoid potholes on the road and not scratch your rims when parking at the curb, you need to learn to feel where the car’s wheels are. To do this, take an empty plastic bottle, crush it with your foot and place it on the asphalt. Practice running into it alternately with the right and left front wheels . Open the window to hear the crunch of the bottle.

Full back!

How to reverse correctly?

One day, a novice driver was driving out of a car service center in reverse along an L-shaped path. At the right place, the driver, having started to turn right straight into the open gate of the box, saw that the path was clear and nothing was stopping him. Rejoicing, he lightly pressed the gas pedal and immediately heard the sound of an impact. What happened that could impede traffic and cause damage to his car?

In this case, the problem is simple and is laid down in driving school. Unfortunately, when teaching cadets to move in reverse, few instructors explain in detail, much less show, all the features and dangers of performing this technique. As a result, young drivers, and often experienced drivers, make stupid mistakes when reversing.

This article will tell you about the methods of reversing and possible mistakes made by drivers. At the end, I will talk about one, not at all obvious and rarely used, but very useful application of an alarm system.

Remember what the instructor taught you in a driving school during a lesson on reversing. Usually, you are asked to sit down with your body turned to the right. Place your right hand on the back of the passenger seat and look out the rear window to control the movements of the car.

It's like that. And this technique cannot be called wrong. However, instructors rarely mention that when performing this technique, the driver becomes very uncomfortable, and sometimes difficult, to control some parts of his car.

Most modern cars have a so-called “front overhang” - that is, a part of the body from the beginning of the front bumper to the beginning of the front wheel. This overhang is precisely the main reason for damage to the car when maneuvering in reverse (see Fig. 1). It was the left corner that was damaged by the novice driver, which I talked about at the beginning of the article.

Rice. 1. Front overhang and movement paths of the extreme points of the car body and wheels

He drove the way he was taught in driving school. That is, he looked back and controlled the situation in front of the trunk of his car. But he couldn't see what was happening in front! That’s why I missed the collision with the left front fender of another car (see Fig. 1).

Disadvantages of the classic reversing technique:

• The driver does not see, and therefore does not control, the front corners of his car body
• Steering is done with one hand, which is not very convenient if the driver has not been specifically trained in this technique of working with the steering wheel.
• Sitting halfway is uncomfortable
• If the driver wants to see what is happening with the front part of the body, he will have to turn his head, distracted from the rear part of the body
• The lower cuts of the rear and side windows make it difficult to see the situation directly at the rear wheels.

• This technique is easier to learn
• It’s easier to navigate the space at first.

360 degree view!

Is there a solution to protect yourself from the above problems? Of course have. This solution is called “moving through mirrors.”

Unfortunately, few instructors in very few driving schools talk about this method of driving. And even less often they try to teach it to their cadets, not wanting to bother with them. And many drivers, especially beginners, are afraid to reverse in the mirrors. It's a pity. There is nothing complicated about this technique, and its advantages more than cover its imaginary complexity.

Advantages of reversing using mirrors:

• The driver controls the situation around his car at 360 degrees!
  • Front overhang, front corners of the body - directly through the windshield and side front windows
  • Rear “hemisphere” - along the interior mirrors, as well as the right and left exterior mirrors
• Through properly configured side mirrors, the driver can observe the situation directly in front of the rear wheels, as well as the lateral distances to obstacles
• The driver sits in a natural position, he does not need to turn his head. All you have to do is move your gaze. At the same time, he simultaneously controls the entire situation around the car
• The driver controls the car with both hands

• The technique seems a little more difficult to master due to some unfamiliarity
• It is necessary to take into account that mirrors distort the real distance to obstacles.

Every vegetable has its time!

More precisely, each technique has its own application. As you can see, each method of reversing control has its own advantages and disadvantages. It would be wrong to advise you to use only one technique and forget about the other. Each of them has its own scope of application in various driving situations.

The classic technique - a half turn - should be used when moving, mainly along a straight path over relatively long distances. For example, if you missed the required turn, but there is no way to turn around (see Fig. 2).

Rice. 2. It’s better to move in a straight line while turning backwards

It is safer and more convenient to follow the mirrors during difficult maneuvers surrounded by other cars, fences and other obstacles (see Fig. 3).

Rice. 3. It’s better to maneuver using mirrors

In real life, any combination of these techniques is possible. For example, after driving through the entrance to a parking lot, you first return using the classic technique. And then, maneuver around the parking lot using the mirrors. And don’t forget that the mirrors of modern cars usually somewhat distort the distance to obstacles. So feel free to turn your head to estimate actual distances.

Those who believe that learning to move using mirrors is difficult are wrong. Not at all. It only seems so. It is enough to practice somewhere in an open area for about 30 minutes, and you will reliably master this technique for life.

"Emergency" as a bonus

Although this is not written in the seventh chapter of the traffic rules, I strongly recommend that when maneuvering in reverse, you always, at any time of the day and in any weather, turn on the hazard warning lights. This is not difficult, but it is very important to let other drivers know ahead of time that you are performing unusual actions. This is a fairly common technique for any competent driver.

But there is another application of hazard warning lights that is not quite common and rarely used by drivers. Quite often in the dark, especially on rainy, gloomy November nights, drivers have to perform complex reverse maneuvers in cramped conditions of unlit parking lots and courtyards. There is usually only one reversing light that is turned on; it only shines backwards and is quite dim.

This is where the included emergency lights will help out! It seems that it won't give much light. But practice shows that glare on surrounding cars and obstacles from flashing emergency lights in pitch darkness greatly helps the driver. In addition, this light illuminates the environment around your car 360 degrees. Agree, this is very useful in a real situation!