It does little good to get that great Toyota fuel economy with your Toyota hybrid if you don’t get to your destination safely. This is the second part in a series of articles about how to make your driving safer, and help insure you get where you want to go in one piece.
Driving Safety Tip #3: Watch For Blind Spots
The blind spot is, essentially, a spot around a vehicle where the driver can’t see, regardless of help from mirrors. Every vehicle has a blind spot, and some vehicles have several. Knowing where to find the blind spot and how to manage it is an important part of safe driving.
The blind spot typically can be found near the rear of the vehicle. Some vehicles may have a blind spot of anything that is directly behind them, as well. To check your blind spot, then, you need to turn your head in such a way as to be able to see into that spot.
It’s not just your blind spot you need to think about, however. You need to be aware of the blind spots of other drivers. For example, tractor trailers have their own unique blind spots. When a semi truck is turning, the driver can’t see anything in his mirrors at all. The best rule of thumb is that, if you can see the truck driver’s face in the mirror, he can see you.
Finally, keep in mind that a Toyota hybrid and any other vehicle will have blind spots even when they’re pulling out of a driveway or a parking spot. Check your blind spot when you back out, and be aware of others as they are doing the same.
