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· Manoeuvre extremely slowly, checking around you constantly.
· Use mirrors and any other devices available to aid vision. You should
also look over your shoulder when appropriate.
· However, do not rely on blind spot devices alone to keep you and other
road users safe.
· Check twice for road users at junctions.
· The location of blind spots can vary on different vehicles, so ensure
you take time to learn where yours are and minimise the risk of causing
an accident.
· Be aware of other drivers on the road. Distractions such as loud music
and mobile phones could mean you don't see a vital clue telling you
there is a vehicle in your blind spot.
· It is up to you to check that the space around your vehicle is clear
before and during any manoeuvres.
Blind spots
Most manoeuvres create blind spots, these include:
Reversing - blind spot to the rear
Changing lanes/ overtaking - blind spots to the side & behind A-pillars
on each side of the rear window
Pulling away at a crossing - blind spot immediately in front of the
vehicle
Turning at junctions - blind spot behind A-pillars on each side of the
windscreen & at the sides
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Did you know?
Every year about 400 people are killed in EU countries when drivers fail to detect objects in their blind spots while manoeuvring. Most victims are pedestrians, cyclists & motorcyclists.
'Vehicle blind spots' was a contributory factor in 21 fatal crashes, 183 serious crashes & 1,485 minor crashes in the UK in 2005. |