A motoring expert has urged Brits to perform a simple two-minute check that could save their lives. Ovoko, an online marketplace for used car parts, has said a mandatory mirror and blind spot positioning test could save lives.
Car mirrors seem like the simplest safety feature, yet they're behind countless accidents. Many drivers adjust them once when they buy a car and assume they'll stay perfect forever, but this isn’t the case. Poorly positioned mirrors are linked to serious accidents, but this essential safety test remains completely optional.
There's no legal requirement for drivers to verify their mirrors are correctly adjusted after passing their test. Over time, mirrors gradually shift from their optimal positions without drivers noticing.
“Vibrations from regular driving slowly loosen mirror adjustments,” said Kazimieras Urbonas, supplier excellence manager at Ovoko.
READ MORE: Drivers could face £5000 fine for common mistake
READ MORE: Older motorists urged to sit 'mature driver' test ahead of 2027 deadline
“People accidentally bump them when getting in and out of the car, and even sharing your vehicle with family members means constant readjustments. Most drivers set their mirrors once and never check them again, but these small shifts create serious blind spots.”
The consequences can be deadly. Poorly positioned mirrors hide cyclists approaching from behind, mask motorcyclists in adjacent lanes, and obscure pedestrians stepping into the road.
“I've seen accident reports where drivers genuinely didn't see another vehicle because their mirrors were just a few degrees off,” Urbonas said.
The blind spot and mirror positioning test is surprisingly straightforward, yet most drivers have never heard of it. Here's how to perform it correctly:
Adjust Your Driving Position
Sit normally in your driver's seat with your hands on the steering wheel. Don't stretch or lean forward. This will ensure that your mirror settings match your actual driving posture.
Set Your Rear-View Mirror
You should see the entire back window with just a slight movement of your eyes. If you need to move your head to see the back window clearly, your mirror needs adjusting.
Position Your Side Mirrors
Your side mirrors shouldn't show the sides of your own car. Lean your head against the driver's side window and adjust the left mirror until you can barely see the edge of your car. For the right mirror, lean to the centre of the car and do the same.
Test Your Blind Spots
Ask someone to walk around your parked car while you sit in the driver's seat. You should be able to track them continuously, from your rear-view mirror to your side mirrors to your peripheral vision. If they disappear at any point, you've found a dangerous blind spot.