SIDE MIRROWS - HARD TO SEE - blind spot

[phil]

The problem with this is focal length.

Yes, in some cases.

Though I am old and highly presbyopic, the rear-view mirror camera display in the Bolt worked great for me. I expect there are some old folks who would struggle with it. Some young'uns too - a few just dislike the change in focus, even though their eyes are quite capable. For me, the additional view of the road and added safety far outweighed any minor quibbles. YMMV.

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[Kamuelaflyer]

Yes, in some cases.

Though I am old and highly presbyopic, the rear-view mirror camera display in the Bolt worked great for me. I expect there are some old folks who would struggle with it. Some young'uns too - a few just dislike the change in focus, even though their eyes are quite capable. For me, the additional view of the road and added safety far outweighed any minor quibbles. YMMV.

Actually in most, but by no means all, cases for people who need texting glasses. I also wear reading glasses. Virtually everyone my age does. The objects in such a mirror are unclear. By definition that makes the car unsafe for people like that. Any car with a camera mirror that doesn’t also offer full correction capabilities is a non starter.

 

[ChrisO]

I setup my mirrors like the videos. When I can see both headlights in my side mirror they are still far enough away to change lanes.

I think that this thread shows that even if people have been doing something all their lives they can still be doing it wrong. And what really gets me is that for the most part this information hasn't gotten out to the general public.

If I knew the proper way to judge these convex mirrors, then I would have certainly safer driver in that car.

 

[azerik]

Yeah, I would actually also like the little wide angle mirrors like my FFE (without BLIS) had in the upper outer corner of the mirror because those are super-useful. I've looked at the stick-on ones and didn't like how they'd fit or look.

I got those FFE mirrors in my driveway as well. Love them.

 

[raffig]

Got on Amazon

 

[phil]

Actually in most, but by no means all, cases for people who need texting glasses. I also wear reading glasses. Virtually everyone my age does. The objects in such a mirror are unclear. By definition that makes the car unsafe for people like that. Any car with a camera mirror that doesn’t also offer full correction capabilities is a non starter.

No, the camera view display is just an option. You can flip a switch to go back to a real mirror view.

 

[phil]

I think that this thread shows that even if people have been doing something all their lives they can still be doing it wrong. And what really gets me is that for the most part this information hasn't gotten out to the general public.

I blame fathers. My kid knows how to adjust the mirrors because I taught him.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

No, the camera view display is just an option. You can flip a switch to go back to a real mirror view.

Thanks for that tidbit. I wasn't aware of that. neither was the salesman, though that's unsurprising.

 

[dmitry]

anyone added blind spot mirrors to Mach-E, if so, any particular brand etc is good? My son is a new driver, finds side mirrors small & hard to see what's coming behind. Me too, actually.

First thing I did when I brought the car from the dealership, I installed these blind spot mirrors:

https://amzn.to/481dfKl

 

[RockinVs]

I thought you just turned on blue cruise and fell asleep?

 

[CYBER-O]

In addition to considering different or helper mirrors, I'd also recommend making sure they are actually adjusted properly. For example, you generally shouldn't be able to see a car directly behind you in the SIDE mirror. This is how a lot of people are used to using them, but the best case is to adjust them wider.

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15131074/how-to-adjust-your-mirrors-to-avoid-blind-spots/

Having taken SCCBC/CACC race driver training in 2011 38 years after learning how to drive, the side mirror adjustment in the above link was one item they taught to eliminate blind spots. Since then, I always adjust my side mirrors outward such that the rear view and the side views form a slightly overlapping panoramic view that extends all the way up to my peripheral vision which results in zero blind spots. If a car behind me that I see in my rear view pulls into the next lane, I can see him transition into my side mirror. As the car overtakes me, just as it's about to disappear from the side mirror, I can see it in my peripheral vision, thus zero blind spots. It took a little getting used to but shoulder checks have been a thing of the past for me.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) published a paper in 1995 suggesting how outside mirrors could be adjusted to eliminate blind spots

 

[CYBER-O]

Start by showing him the advantages of properly adjusted side mirrors that eliminate the blind spot. That way, he won't be like all of us old people trying to relearn not seeing the side of our car in the side view mirrors.

Good advice!

 

[CYBER-O]

I'd also suggest possibly looking into Performance Driving Lessons where I think they would teach proper mirror adjustment, but I can't say for sure as I took the next level up from that (Race Driver Training.

Performance driving lessons teach you to maximize a car's potential by covering vehicle dynamics, driving lines, braking and throttle control, and proper steering techniques, often starting with classroom theory before applying skills on a track through exercises like skid control, obstacle courses, and hot lapping. You'll also learn about correct seating position, vehicle safety systems, and how to maintain control during various situations like cornering and skids.

all drivers, from beginners to experienced individuals, can benefit from performance driving lessons, as they teach essential safety and vehicle control skills that improve overall driving confidence and capability in emergency situations and difficult conditions. These courses provide practical techniques for handling emergencies, maintaining control in various scenarios, and developing enhanced awareness and reaction times, making drivers safer and more capable on both the track and the road.

 

[fleeps]

The problem with this is focal length...

If focal length to the rear view mirror is a problem, then so is focal length to the dashboard. Speed is large enough to see, but other information tends to be smaller than the car behind you in the rear view mirror.

 

[E90alex]

If focal length to the rear view mirror is a problem, then so is focal length to the dashboard. Speed is large enough to see, but other information tends to be smaller than the car behind you in the rear view mirror.

Yes and no. People with presbyopia often have bifocal or progressive glasses where the bottom half has extra power to help with close focusing.

So looking down at the dash will naturally fall into the reading area of the glasses. Looking up at the rear view mirror will be in the distance part of the glasses so they won’t be able to focus easily on a digital screen near the roof.

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