Mirror Position 2.0

I’d like to spend some time to discuss proper orientation of a vehicle’s side mirrors. Ultimately, the driver should of course do whatever he or she is most comfortable with but I’d like you to take into account some of the following suggestions.

Over the years I’ve noticed that most drivers position their side mirrors in a particular fashion whereby they can see down the side of the vehicle. I’m not sure where this concept first originated but whoever taught them to drive probably showed them that this was the correct way and it was never a question after that. While the position might seem good for parking, I cannot identify any other advantage to having the mirror placed in such a way.

Eleven years ago when I was learning to drive, my parents showed me how to adjust the mirrors so the side of the car was visible. I accepted this as the correct way because I didn’t know any better. On my first practical driving lesson, I promptly entered the car and began adjusting the mirrors. My instructor asked me why I wanted to see the side of the car through my mirror and I didn’t have an explanation. He then pointed out that by angling the mirror further away form the car, I could basically eliminate both blind spots altogether. Let’s call the new idea mirror position 2.0 (or MP2.0 for short).

Have you ever seen someone merging onto the highway while hunched over the steering wheel with their head turned around 180 degrees, trying to see behind them? Adjusting the mirrors to cover your blind spots will readily render this acrobatic movement obsolete. While it is still the law to glance to the side to check your blind spot while merging, MP2.0 allows you to know exactly what is in your blind spot so that when you glance over, you will not be surprised by an eighteen wheeler that decided not to let you in. Use MP2.0 for all lane changes and you’ll see just how handy it really is.

MP2.0 is very simple to implement. Find a large parking lot and located a vehicle that is all by itself somewhere. Position your vehicle in the spot right beside the other vehicle. Don’t park too close because highway lanes are wider than parking spaces. Use your judgment. Advance slowly until you can no longer see it in your rear-view mirror. Now simply adjust the side mirror outwards until the entire vehicle is visible. Repeat on the other side of your car. You now have MP2.0 installed on your vehicle. It might take some getting used to but believe me, once you notice the increased visibility you will wonder how you ever drove with the old version.

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