Checking the side and rear view mirrors regularly is a core part of the See-Think-Do strategy however, there are large areas within our mirrors’ scope that even the best adjustment can’t catch, making them the most difficult blind spots to check. Side mirrors help our visibility with the blind spots beside us, and the rear view mirror increases the visibility for the blind spot behind us. Two more blind spots are beside and behind us. Being able to see into this blind spot is done by watching ahead and being observant of the upcoming road and its hazards as you approach it. While our windshields help us see in front of our car, we are unable to see further than the height of our vehicle’s hood, making this our first blind spot.

To eliminate as much of the blind spots as you can, adjust your mirrors so you can see as much of the side blind spots as you can. Try sitting in your vehicle and finding the areas you can’t see even when you use your mirrors. Larger truck and trailer combinations have the same blind spots, but they are much bigger than the blind spots of a regular vehicle. The size of these blind spots depend on the shape and size of the vehicle, and will change depending on what you’re driving. This is based on the core logical principle that we should always be observant of what’s in front of us while driving, but what about the possible hazards hidden outside our line of vision?Įach vehicle has blind spots at the front, back, and along the sides of their vehicle.

Stopping, slowing down, accelerating, steering to avoid, and/or communicating with the horn are all ways in which the driver has control. Think – decide which hazards are the most dangerous, which will you have to respond to first, and think quickly about possible safe solutions.ĭo – perform an action to keep you and others safe. Pay attention to other road users and the areas where hazards could occur. Increase your areas of awareness by keeping your eyes moving and active. It’s broken down into the following three steps: See-Think-Do is a strategy to help new drivers get into the habit of being aware of their surroundings at all times so that they can respond quickly, safely, and most effectively. We’re breaking down shoulder checks, and how and why we need to complete them. Knowing why and how these maneuvers are executed are an essential part of learning how to drive, and continuing to keep your skills on-pointe and refined as an experienced driver. Driving is full of different maneuvers that, when completed correctly and appropriately, all come together to make safe and confident drivers.

Look over the shoulder towards the rear