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title: Blind Spots
---

# Blind Spots

## What is a Blind Spot?

A **blind spot** is any area you can’t see using your normal vision or mirrors.

These include:

- The space between your forward view and what’s visible in your exterior mirrors.
- The areas hidden by the car’s bodywork.

Larger vehicles, such as SUVs and vans, have **bigger blind spots**, which may obscure pedestrians, cyclists, or smaller cars.

## Reducing Blind Spots

- **Auxiliary mirrors** can widen your view, but won’t eliminate blind spots completely.
- Some vehicles have **blind-spot detection systems** that use sensors or cameras to alert you to vehicles in adjacent lanes — usually through warning lights or sounds.

Even with technology, **always perform manual checks**.

Before moving off, **look over your right shoulder** to check your blind spot.

Do the same **before opening your door** to avoid endangering passing cyclists or motorcyclists.

## The 'Dutch Reach' Technique

To safely open your door:

1. Reach for the handle with your **left hand** (furthest from the door).
2. This movement naturally makes you **look over your right shoulder**.
3. Check for cyclists or other road users.
4. Open the door slowly, controlling it with your right hand — especially in windy conditions.

## Checking Blind Spots While Moving

Sometimes, you’ll need to glance into your blind spots **while driving** — for example:

- Before changing lanes
- When joining a motorway or dual carriageway
- When traffic merges from the left or right

Only take a **quick sideways glance**.

Never turn fully around — at speed, even a brief distraction can be dangerous.

Be aware of **other drivers’ blind spots** too, especially when overtaking large vehicles.

#### QUICK NAVIGATION

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