This flyer outlines the optimal positioning for mirror settings for vehicles. Australians typically use the older, narrower mirror setting. ADI is promoting the position.
Narrow Setting:
- You are having to take your eyes off the road during the performance of a shoulder check
- A stiff neck won’t allow you to see a blind spot and peripheral vision may not be enough
- Turning your head will cause a steering input and a requirement to correct when your eyes are back on the road
- You have designed into your driving and mirror set up a blind spot
Wider Setting:
- Your vision will remain forward and you have peripheral vision to rely on
- There will be no weaving from a turned head which has a direct impact on your steering
- There will be no more blind spot
- Any vehicle is seen as it leaves one mirror to enter another
- As any vehicle leaves the side mirror, it then enters into your peripheral vision
Now how do we achieve this setting?
Firstly, set up your centre rear view mirror, then take the last thing you see on the left and ensure that this is the first thing your left mirror picks up, perform the same on the right hand side. The last thing on the right hand side of your centre mirror is now the first thing you see in your right wing mirror. With this new set up now even a motorbike can’t hide from your sight.
Take a look over the pictures and you can clearly see the advantages to the wider setting.