Driving while avoiding the car's blind spot, made easier by technology

One of the major problems while driving is the presence of the dead angle or blind spot of the left-hand mirror. It is an area where you cannot see whether a car is coming from behind, and it poses a serious risk while driving, especially on roads with more than one lane in each direction or in the city, when overtaking.

There are several technological systems that prevent us from becoming complacent and having an unexpected scare when moving into the left lane. Many current models feature a sensor system that detects the presence of a vehicle on the left side of the car and issues a warning, either in the form of a warning light or in the form of an audible beep, to indicate that a vehicle is approaching from that position.

These safety devices are included in many models and support other elements that seek to eliminate the blind spot in the rear-view mirror. Over the years, slightly curved mirrors have been introduced, which capture more of the area behind and reduce the blind spot to a greater extent. Combining these types of mirrors with safety systems avoids many scares and problems that could be serious.

To avoid the dead angle, a few simple safety rules must be followed. First, before starting the car, all three mirrors must be adjusted so that you have a good view of the area behind through all three points. In addition, you must constantly monitor the traffic situation, without losing sight of the vehicles approaching from behind.

There is an option to help us see that blind spot, such as the small auxiliary mirrors that are fitted to the rear-view mirror, but be careful, as not all of them are approved for use in Spain. Blind spot information systems (BLIS) come in several types, although their function is the same.

Some have a camera installed on the rear-view mirror itself, which captures the image and processes it, and if it detects an obstacle that the driver has not noticed, it gives a visual or audible warning. Another way of detecting a vehicle is the incorporation of a radar at the rear of the car, which performs the same function.

One of these systems, the Blind Spot System fitted to several models of Opel, such as the ADAM, Corsa, Astra, Cabrio and Zafira Tourer, was chosen this year to receive the Euro NCAP award. This system works through the action of four sensors, which, when they detect a vehicle, activate a visual warning in the corresponding mirror.

To prevent excess brightness from hindering the warning’s visibility, LED lights are used, which stand out without difficulty in these conditions and prevent the driver from being surprised by a vehicle that is invisible due to its position behind our vehicle.

However, despite having all these assistance systems, it is advisable to always keep an eye on the traffic. Also, when about to overtake, turn your head slightly to get a clear view of the lane you are about to enter, and avoid scares and problems.