Police urging drivers to check blind spots

There is an area on each side of people’s vehicle where drivers cannot see.

OPP Constable Mark Cloes said when driving, people should keep their eyes constantly moving, scanning the road ahead and to the sides.

“Good drivers will check their mirrors every five to ten seconds,” he said.

“You may not see people or vehicles when they are in those spots.”

The county OPP reminds drivers that by reducing or eliminating the blind spots of their cars and using these tips, they will reduce the chance of a collision:

– Keep a clear view when driving. Do not put anything in the windows that could block the driver’s view.

– Windows should not be coated with any material that keeps drivers from being seen inside or looking out of the vehicle in any direction.

– Check and adjust the mirrors to reduce the blind spots. Always check blind spots by turning the head to look over the shoulder before changing lanes, passing, turn­ing or before opening your door when parked next to traffic.

– When making a lane change, check the mirrors for a space in traffic where the driver can enter safely. Check the blind spot by looking over the shoulder in the direction of the lane change. Signal when making a move left or right. Check again to make sure the way is clear and steer gradually into the new lane, maintaining the same speed, or gently in­crease it.

– Stay out of other drivers’ blind spots, especially large vehicles like trucks.

– Road safety starts with each person.

 

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