Drivers must always be aware of what is going on around them when they’re on the road. Have you ever had a situation where you’re trying to take a turn and suddenly a horn starts blaring beside you, making you swerve wildly, wondering, ‘Where the hell did that car come from?’ Chances are, you missed the car because it was hidden in your blind spot. One of the major causes of collisions on Australian roads, blind spots may be small or large, but their impact is always huge. Whether you’re a new driver or brushing up your skills at a Sydney Driving School, understanding blind spots is crucial for your safety and everyone else’s. Today, we will explore blind spots in detail - their causes and how you can deal with them.
What Is a Blind Spot?
As the name indicates, blind spots are areas around your car that are not visible to the driver, even when using mirrors. These zones are usually situated in places that are beyond visibility and often become a limitation for the drivers. Some common blindspot examples are the area covered by the A-pillars or the space behind your shoulders, on either side of the vehicle. Even with perfectly adjusted mirrors, every car, from compact hatchbacks to large SUVs, has some degree of visual limitation. That’s why most driving schools and advanced courses like the Safer Drivers Course emphasise blind spot awareness early in training. Knowing your blind spots and eliminating them before you start driving is essential.
Common Causes of Blind Spots
So, what causes these blind spots in cars, or any vehicle, for that matter? Blind spots don’t appear randomly and out of the blue. They are often the result of simple, fixable mistakes. Here’s a breakdown of their common causes:
1. Vehicle Design
The design of your car plays a big role. Wide roof pillars, large headrests, and thick doors can block your side and rear view. Newer models have sleeker shapes and smaller windows, which look stylish but can reduce visibility.
2. Improper Mirror Adjustment
If your mirrors are set too far inward, they’ll reflect more of your car and less of the surrounding road. That means more blind spots. Correct mirror alignment is a basic but vital step — and something every good driving lesson should teach.
3. Obstructions Inside the Car
Even a small passenger, bulky headrest, or stack of boxes can block your line of sight. Always keep the rear window clear and avoid overloading the vehicle.
4. Driver Position
If you sit too low or recline too far, your visual range shrinks. Your seating position should allow you to clearly see both side mirrors and the road ahead without leaning.
How to Minimise the Risk of Blind Spots
Now that you know what blind spots are and how they’re caused, what's next? Simply knowing about blind spots isn’t enough. Drivers should also know how to deal with them. Drivers must develop the habit of handling blind spots before a drive. Here’s how to stay safe:
1. Adjust Your Mirrors the Right Way
Mirror adjustment before driving is one of the best habits that a driver can cultivate. To adjust your side mirrors, tilt them outward until the edge of your car just disappears from view. This reduces overlap between your direct vision and what your mirrors show. It dramatically widens your visibility.
2. Perform Shoulder Checks
Mirror checks are great, but drivers should never rely solely on them. Performing shoulder checks along with mirror checks can help you get more visibility and confirm all spots are visible. Before you change lanes, turn, or merge, quickly glance over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move. This simple act can prevent serious accidents.
3. Use Blind Spot Detection Systems
Technology is indeed making life easier for us. Modern cars often include blind spot sensors and warning lights. They help eliminate your blind spots and also alert you if there are vehicles or other obstacles in your blind spots. These systems are helpful, but they’re not foolproof. So, drivers should use them in addition to other checks, like mirror adjustment, etc. Think of them as a backup, not a replacement for awareness.
4. Avoid Driving in Other Vehicles’ Blind Spots
Beyond your vehicle, you should also avoid other vehicles’ blind spots in order to stay safe. The simple logic behind this is that if you can’t see a vehicle’s side mirrors, the driver can’t see you either. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry, right? Try to position your car so that you remain visible to other road users, especially heavy vehicles and buses.
5. Stay Alert and Aware
Driving is not for the easily distracted. When driving, being aware of the road conditions, situations, and other road users around you is very important. Regularly scan your surroundings, use your peripheral vision, and anticipate how nearby vehicles might move. Remember, driving safely isn’t about reacting, it’s about predicting.
The Safer Drivers Course Advantage
Courses like the Safer Drivers Course help new and experienced drivers learn how to identify and manage blind spots effectively. By combining classroom theory with on-road practice, these programs teach you how to read traffic, anticipate risks, and maintain full control, even in unpredictable situations.
If you’re in Sydney and want to improve your confidence behind the wheel, joining a Driving School Sydney or enrolling in a refresher driving lesson is a smart move. A qualified instructor can demonstrate blind spot management in real-world traffic, something videos or manuals can’t replicate.
Final Thoughts
Blind spots might seem like a small part of driving, but they’re responsible for thousands of preventable crashes every year. The good news? With proper mirror setup, consistent shoulder checks, and defensive driving habits, you can eliminate most of the risk.
So next time you hit the road, remember, visibility equals safety. Keep your eyes moving, your awareness sharp, and your confidence high.
And if you want to perfect these skills, a professional driving school in Sydney can help you master them through guided driving lessons and structured courses like the Safer Drivers Course — because safe driving starts with being aware of what you can’t see.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What exactly is a blind spot when driving?
A: A blind spot is an area around your vehicle that you can’t see using your side or rear-view mirrors. It’s usually found just behind your shoulders and along the sides of the car. These spots can easily hide other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians — which is why shoulder checks and proper mirror adjustments are essential.
Q2. How can I adjust my mirrors to reduce blind spots?
A: To minimise blind spots, angle your side mirrors slightly outward until you can just barely see the edge of your car. This setup widens your view of adjacent lanes and reduces overlap between mirrors. Many learners practice this during their driving lessons at a Sydney Driving School to develop good habits early on.
Q3. Do blind spot monitoring systems completely eliminate blind spots?
A: No. While technology such as blind spot detection and lane assist systems can help, they aren’t foolproof. These systems might fail in certain weather or traffic conditions. Always perform a quick shoulder check before changing lanes — it’s a habit that even the Safer Drivers Course encourages as part of defensive driving.
Q4. Why are blind spots more dangerous for new drivers?
A: New drivers often focus too much on what’s directly ahead and forget to check their surroundings. Without regular mirror checks and proper awareness, it’s easy to miss vehicles hidden in blind spots. This is why enrolling in a professional driving school can make a huge difference — instructors teach how to monitor mirrors, perform safe lane changes, and develop strong situational awareness.
Q5. How can I avoid driving in another driver’s blind spot?
A: Try not to linger beside another vehicle, especially trucks or buses. If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they likely can’t see you either. Either slow down or move ahead safely to stay visible. It’s one of the key safety practices taught in structured driving lessons at a Driving School Sydney.
Q6. Does the Safer Drivers Course cover blind spot awareness?
A: Yes. The Safer Drivers Course focuses on building advanced awareness skills, including how to identify and avoid blind spots, anticipate hazards, and maintain safe driving distances. It’s ideal for new drivers who want to boost confidence and earn bonus logbook hours while learning essential safety techniques.