Do you check your blind spot befor changing lanes?

[DizBelle]

Well, do you?

 

[castmemberb4]

Absolutely, every time.
My sister dosen't and it scares the crap out of me I've been in the car with her for several near misses.

 

[janey99]

I'm afraid to know the answer to this question - are there seriously people who don't?!

Jane

 

[ChrizJen]

I do, but I was also taught to ALWAYS be aware of who is around me when I drive. I'm constantly checking all of my mirrors. So if I'm changing lanes, it's fairly likely that I already know who is in front of/behind me and on either side of me. So checking my blind spot is redundant. But I still do it anyway.

 

[Chicago526]

I do, but I was also taught to ALWAYS be aware of who is around me when I drive. I'm constantly checking all of my mirrors. So if I'm changing lanes, it's fairly likely that I already know who is in front of/behind me and on either side of me. So checking my blind spot is redundant. But I still do it anyway.

Ditto! But I do find that every once in a great while, a car did sneak into my blind spot without me knowing about it, so checking saved me from an accident! I usually jump a mile high when I turn and expect a clear spot and a car is sitting there!

 

[dismom2]

Always! You can't know if someone is there if you don't look, so it's the safe thing to do. I'm always especially concerned about a motorcyclist being there, since they are so small and fast. I'm not taking any chances.

 

[WriteDisney]

I do, but I was also taught to ALWAYS be aware of who is around me when I drive. I'm constantly checking all of my mirrors. So if I'm changing lanes, it's fairly likely that I already know who is in front of/behind me and on either side of me. So checking my blind spot is redundant. But I still do it anyway.

Same here

 

[Magic Mom]

Nah, I just like to weave around crashing into things. Sort of like high speed bumper cars.

 

[SC Minnie]

Always. My car has a small rear window thus a large blind spot so it is very easy for a car to 'sneak' up on me. I check, double check, and even triple check before changing lanes.

 

[imabrat]

Always.

I'm a new driver (don't hate on me!) and I learnt the meaning of "blind spots" the other day on the highway. I was doing fairly well, so we went out onto Interstate 80. I'd gone on some of the other local highways before and did fine, so we thought I'd be able to handle it. I did fine and after one of the ramps I had to switch to the left lane to let someone on. Checked all mirrors, turned around, and no one was there. I put my blinker on and moved into the left. I get in the lane and there's some guy riding my bumper. I was totally freaked out but I was able to compose myself and get back into the right lane.

 

[Youarehere]

Always, then I put on my blinker and move part way over- if no one beeps at me I complete the lane chnage. Cars have huge blind spots these days. I wasn't so cautious years ago.

 

[BillSears]

I usually check them twice!

I also do my best not to be in someone's blind spot. Whenever I find myself in the blind spot I speed up a bit to move out of it.

 

[MIGrandma]

I check my blind spot in my mirrors. I have those small round mirrors attached to the mirrors of my car. They show the "blind spot" areas on them. I love them, wouldn't want to be without them.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

I always check

 

[rie'smom]

Ditto! But I do find that every once in a great while, a car did sneak into my blind spot without me knowing about it, so checking saved me from an accident! I usually jump a mile high when I turn and expect a clear spot and a car is sitting there!

When this has happened to me, I feel the same way as you do.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I have to check as my car has LARGE blind-spots. Even when I am aware of who is around me at all times, here in Los Angeles, people tend to sneak in and around and weave just to get a half-car length in front of you.

I've had two very awful near-hits even with me being diligent. One was a Mini and I just didn't see it when I looked. Luckily, the driver was paying attention and all I got was honked at. (Then again, my passenger said he tanked three lanes over at top speed to fill in the gap I was changing lanes into, but the accident still would have been my fault.)

 

[Squirlz]

I see a LOT of people who don't have their side view mirrors adjusted correctly. If you are seeing what's directly behind you in them, you're doing it wrong. When adjusted properly an overtaking vehicle will become visible in your side view just as it disappears from your rear view. You can almost eliminate any blind spots this way.

 

[Quasi123]

Nah, I just like to weave around crashing into things. Sort of like high speed bumper cars.

That's great

 

[fraggle551]

How do people not do this? It's called driving. Sadly there are people who don't check because they have almost caused some serious accidents for me.

 

[Amy]

I was discussing this with a friend of mine a little while ago - she claims her car doesn't have any blind spots! (I can't remember what she drives.)

I taught both of my boys to do a quick head turn to check their blind spots. But when DS17 took his driving test, the police officer told him that he shouldn't do that, he should keep his eyes on the road. Huh?