Motorists across the UK are being urged to perform a quick 20-second check that could dramatically improve their safety by eliminating dangerous blind spots. This simple reset, advocated by vehicle experts, comes as official data reveals the shocking toll of accidents where drivers failed to see other road users.
The Stark Reality of Blind Spot Dangers
Recent statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT) paint a sobering picture. Over the last five years, blind spots were a contributing factor in 63 road deaths and more than 1,100 serious injuries. Furthermore, the DfT consistently reports that "driver failed to look properly" remains one of the most common causes of serious collisions.
This issue is part of a broader road safety challenge, highlighted by the fact that there were 1,624 road fatalities in Great Britain in 2023 alone. These figures underscore how crucial proper mirror setup and observation are for every journey.
The Simple 20-Second Solution
The motoring specialists at Show Plates World are championing a straightforward mirror reset that can vastly improve a driver's rearward vision. They state this adjustment is particularly effective at preventing those critical "no-see" moments during lane changes, navigating roundabouts, and merging on busy motorways.
A spokesperson for Show Plates World explained the common error many drivers make: "Most drivers unknowingly point their mirrors at themselves. Nudge them outwards using the 20-second reset and you’ll be amazed how much road you gain back—especially on multi-lane roads and at night."
They added a crucial note on driver habit: "You’ll still do a quick shoulder glance as a final check, but you won’t be relying on luck."
How to Perform the 20-Second Mirror Reset
Follow these steps to correctly align your mirrors and minimise blind spots:
- Seat & Centre Mirror: Sit in your normal driving position. Adjust the interior rear-view mirror so it provides a clear, full view of the entire rear window.
- Driver’s Side Mirror: Lean your head slightly towards the driver's side window. Now, tilt the driver's side mirror outwards until the side of your own car just disappears from view.
- Passenger Side Mirror: Lean your head towards the centre of the car, roughly above where the handbrake would be. Tilt the passenger side mirror outwards until your car's flank is no longer visible.
Testing Your New Setup
Once you have completed the adjustments, return to your normal driving position to perform a quick reality check. As a vehicle overtakes you, it should transition seamlessly from the view in your interior mirror directly into the relevant side mirror. There should be no gap or moment where the vehicle vanishes from sight.
This outward "handover" alignment is the key difference from the method many drivers were originally taught. The old habit of keeping a visible sliver of your own car in each side mirror actually wastes valuable mirror space on your own bodywork, inadvertently creating the very blind spot this technique aims to remove.
