Ignoring blind spots is a common cause of motor vehicle accidents in Georgia and throughout the nation. The National Highway Safety Administration reported over 800,000 car accidents from blind spot neglect occur annually.
Even the most experienced driver forgets to check their blind spot from time to time. That doesn’t change the fact blind spot car accidents can have devastating consequences.
What is a blind spot accident?
Car mirrors are angled to see what’s going on behind the car. Blind spots aren’t shown in the rearview or side mirrors and will usually be on the immediate side of the car.
Blind spot motor vehicle accidents occur when one car collides with another car immediately or almost alongside them. They usually happen when turning or when merging lanes on the highway.
Avoiding blind spot accidents
It’s crucial that drivers be aware of their surroundings and frequently check their blind spots. This is especially true when traveling on packed highways at high speeds.
Adjusting your mirrors to maximize visibility around your vehicle can help reduce blind spots. Even with properly adjusted mirrors, you should still check all of your blind spots before merging or changing lanes.
It’s important to be aware of other drivers’ blind spots as well. If you’re on the highway and you notice you’re driving right alongside a car or close to them, you’re probably in their blind spot. Speeding up or slowing down to get out of the blind spot can help you in the long term.
Consequences of a blind spot accident
Sometimes a blind spot accident is just a little scrape. Other times, it’s much more deadly. If you do get into an accident, be sure to seek medical attention and take pictures of the damage.