How can you assess your blind spots?

Assessing your blind spots is crucial for safe driving as it helps you detect other vehicles or obstacles that might not be visible in your mirrors. Looking over your shoulder is the most effective method to do this because it allows you to get a direct view of your blind spot areas, particularly in the lanes beside and behind you. This action helps confirm that it is safe to change lanes or merge, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents.

While mirrors are helpful in reducing blind spots, they cannot completely eliminate them; for instance, objects can still be hidden from view. Sensors can provide warnings about nearby vehicles, but they might not always function correctly and can miss unseen objects. Checking for reflections might not provide a clear picture of the actual road conditions around you and is often impractical in real driving situations. Therefore, relying solely on mirrors or technological aids does not substitute for the physical act of looking over your shoulder, which is a simple yet effective safety measure.