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Each vehicle has smaller blind spots at the front and at the back, as well as the two large blind spots on the sides. Their size depends on the shape and size of your vehicle. Try sitting in your vehicle and finding the areas you can’t see even when you use your mirrors. 

## Observing behind 

Your side‑ and rear‑view mirrors let you know what is happening behind you. Adjust them to get the best possible view. Look in each mirror about every five to eight seconds and pay attention to what you see. 

Rear-view mirrors  — look in the rear‑view mirror before you slow down or stop. Will the cars behind you have space to stop? If not, you may need to take action. 

Side-view mirrors  — use your side‑view mirrors whenever you are planning to change your road position or direction. When you’re pulling away from the right side of the road, you need to check your left mirror to make sure there are no cars coming from behind. If you’re making a lane change to the right, check your right mirror to make sure there’s enough space to move into. 

Blind spots  — even when your mirrors are properly adjusted, there are large areas that you can’t see in your mirrors. These are called blind spots. The most dangerous blind spots are to the side. There are also blind spots below your field of vision to the front, rear and both sides of your vehicle. 

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Blind spot detectors, cameras  — Some vehicles are equipped with blind spot detectors and/or back‑up cameras. While these can help you to detect hazards in blind spots or behind the vehicle, they do not replace the need to turn your head to do a shoulder check or look behind. 

Shoulder checks  — whenever you plan to change your direction or r oad position, do a shoulder check to make sure the blind spot on that side is clear. 

When you’r going to turn right, for example, quickly check to the right just to make sure no one is in that space. And don’t forget to do a mirror check and shoulder check before you open your door to get out of your vehicle. A cyclist or other vehicle could be coming up beside you. 

