Quote:
Originally Posted by Z-man
(Post 8463209)
HOWEVER, it bothers me greatly when I see someone changing lanes on a highway at highway speeds turning their head to look over their shoulder to see if someone is in that lane. If you are constantly checking your mirrors, and you are aware of your surroundings (special awareness), then you shouldn't have to physically turn your head.
When you are travelling FORWARD at a healthy rate of speed (55mph or greater), you have no business looking at what is BEHIND you! Set your mirrors up correctly - be aware of the blind spots, know your surroundings, and you won't have to turn your head in that situation.
I've been driving for many, many years, and I very rarely turn my head to look behind me when changing lanes. I admit - I had a couple of blind-spot related close calls - but those were when I wasn't aware of my surroundings and should have known better. But never hit or side-swiped anyone - ever. -Z
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Z man
I am right there with you on the practice of being aware of traffic around you. Part of my brain is always trying to predict when I will catch that vehicle or when that one will overtake me and what will the traffic conditions be in 90 seconds or whenever that happens.
However for the very reason you mentioned, getting caught out once or twice, I will always check the spot with a head turn. Yes, I have my mirrors adjusted so I can see in lanes on other side, but there's no harm in being sure. As for taking attention away from the space ahead, I try to maintain a space to give me room to react when I get back to "eyes front".
Back-up cameras? One more tool to use or ignore. I have to agree, it would be handy when hooking up a trailer (something I did zero times last year). Maybe as this neck gets stiff I will welcome it if there's one on the next vehicle. Will I go out and buy one to add to the present ride? No.
Best
Les
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