Proper use of side mirror while driving

Most people think that good driving skills consist purely of the ability to recognize when and where to steer and when to step on the brakes. However, there is so much more to driving than just learning to turn the wheel. There are people who learned to drive by being taught the amateur way, while others take a class and end up with a certificate to learn more than just how to honk the horn. One of the important things a good driver should know is how to properly adjust the side mirrors. If you're not thoroughly sure of what you're doing take our advice and learn the proper way of using your side mirrors.

Start with the proper adjustment method

Sit comfortably in the driver's seat - like how you sit normally when you drive. Start moving the rearview mirror so that the middle of the back windshield is clear and visible to your view. Make it so that you won't have to move your head whenever you need to check it. You can now adjust your side mirror, move it first and get back to your seat until you get the perfect angle then, move on to the other side mirror on the passenger's side.

Now that you've configured your side mirrors correctly, you can now proceed to use them on the road;

When you want to change your lane

Before you turn to your desired lane, check your side mirrors first and then signal your intention of changing lanes. Check your rear view mirrors as well to increase chances of evading a collision. If it's all clear, you can then safely cross over. Watch out for speeding vehicles as well; even though you might have the right of way, it would still be safer if you will be generous enough to let other drivers pass first to avoid the collision.

Make a habit

Whether you're driving in an off-city freeway or in the traffic routes of Manila, develop a habit of glancing at your side and rear view mirrors. Make the intervals about every 5 seconds. It will help you get a chance to spot high-speed drivers that can throw you off of your rhythm. It will also alarm you of potential accidents that can happen from behind you.

Parallel parking

One of the incidents that require your attention to all the 3 mirrors is if you need to parallel park. Parallel parking is a bit hard and even some of the driving pros out there still find it hard to do this. Some people find parallel parking hard but feasible when one knows how to utilize both the rear-view and side-view mirrors. This could be you too once you get the habit of using your mirrors properly.

When attached to a trailer

A trailer can hit curves if you're not careful with your driving. Occasionally glancing at your mirrors can help you maneuver with the right speed and angle when it comes to making turns - minimizing the possibility of the trailer's wheels hitting the curb or other cars.