Watch out! The blind spot is a real threat to road safety: it is the part of the road that is not reflected by the rearview mirrors and is therefore not visible to the driver. The blind spot varies depending on the shape and size of the vehicle, or the type of mirrors used; generally, larger vehicles usually have larger blind spots. Which phases are at risk? Parking and overtaking.
Parking sensors – on the rear bumper or even on the front – now make maneuvering much easier. They work on the radar principle: the sensor sends ultrasonic sound waves and receives them reflected from nearby obstacles. By measuring the time between "round trip," it can accurately calculate the distance of the obstacle. Evolution is continuous: from infographics on touch screens to automatic parking systems, the commitment to improving safety is constant. But the driver's attention is always indispensable!
Another (very) risky maneuver is overtaking. A car is overtaking us: for a few moments, it disappears from the internal rearview mirror and remains invisible – in the blind spot, precisely – until it appears in the external mirror. If we decide to move left at that very moment, the risk of collision is extremely high.
How can we minimize the danger? Here too, technology comes to our rescue. The BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) is the system that, using two cameras integrated into the side mirrors, detects approaching vehicles. But – we never tire of repeating it – electronic systems are an aid, they do not replace the driver!
Some indispensable rules, never to be overlooked. Correctly position the seat and mirrors, orienting the side ones more outwards, to ensure maximum visibility. Pay attention to all maneuvers, which should only be performed after checking the "wide-range" situation. Signal every maneuver promptly: turn signals should always be used, even when you have the impression that no one is around.
