Mirror... Mirror on My Car

GUIDE TO CORRECTLY ADJUSTING SIDE MIRRORS

Do you know how many road accidents could have been avoided if side mirrors were adjusted correctly before one took off?

Research conducted by a renowned UK-based fleet management company revealed that 80% of the 1,700 drivers surveyed admitted their side mirrors were not adjusted correctly.

Earlier, UK Transport Department statistics showed 15,000 drivers were involved in road accidents as a result of not seeing the other vehicle.

This is proof that many drivers are unaware of the benefits of using side mirrors as a means to prevent accidents that could easily have been avoided.

This also shows that prior reports pinpointing vehicle design as the main cause for the inability to see other vehicles clearly, as inaccurate.

A driver concentrating on the vehicle in front would be largely unaware of the presence of a vehicle behind or at his side especially if his rear and side mirrors were not adjusted correctly.

This oversight becomes more apparent in fleet vehicles as the drivers keep changing.

The best way to ensure mirrors are adjusted correctly is by asking someone to walk around your stationary vehicle before taking off on your journey. The person walking must be seen clearly by you when looking at the rear and side mirrors.

Side mirrors when adjusted correctly, effectively eliminate blind spots.

HOW TO ELIMINATE BLIND SPOTS

1. Adjust the driver’s side mirror outwards
   Wind-up the window and place your cheek against the glass. Adjust the mirror on the driver’s side outwards until you can see the right side of your vehicle clearly. When you move back to your normal driving position, you must be able to see below to the lane beside you, and not the body of your vehicle.
2. Adjust the passenger’s side mirror outwards
   Position your head in the middle so it is parallel to the rear mirror in your vehicle. At this position, adjust the side mirror on the passenger side until you can see the left side of your vehicle clearly.
3. Examine what can be seen in the mirror
   Now, when you sit back in the driver’s seat, you should not see the sides of your vehicle but the other vehicles alongside yours in the lane to your left and right.
4. Walk around your vehicle
   Now ask a friend to walk around your vehicle. Ensure you can see him or her clearly from all directions. You should be able to see this person at all times using your rear and side mirrors as he or she walks around your vehicle.

GOOD VISIBILITY... By adjusting side mirrors correctly,
visibility can be increased and accidents reduced.

---

Aquaplaning: Precautions Against Rain

The unpredictable weather especially in the Klang Valley has dramatically increased the occurrence of flash floods in city centres.

Apart from dangerous flash floods, water that pools on road surfaces are a danger in themselves. If a driver speeds through rain-slicked roads, the tyres do not have sufficient time to push out the collected water beneath it.

When tyres move across the water without actually making contact with the road surface, the tyres are said to be in an aquaplaning state. When this happens, the driver can easily lose control of his vehicle as the tyres lose their gripping ability because they are lifted by a cushion of water.

To avoid this, do not speed along rain-slicked roads. Driving slowly allows the tyres enough time to push out collected water underneath thus gaining better road-gripping ability.

If you are in an aquaplaning situation, don’t panic. Put these tips to good use instead:

• Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands
• Do not brake
• Release the accelerator and stay focused on the path ahead
• Change to neutral gear if possible
• Press the clutch if driving a manual car
• Focus far ahead in front of you
• Once you have control of your vehicle, move with caution into the stream of traffic and slow down

Apart from this, have your vehicle checked regularly and change worn spare parts promptly.

Bald tyres with less than 2mm of treading are very dangerous as they are ineffective in gripping the road well and are less efficient in pushing water out from beneath it.

Whatever the condition, drive at the correct speed and ensure your vehicle is regularly serviced to ensure your safety on the road.

LIFTING ACTION... How aquaplaning occurs