Mirrors focused on where?

[saabe1]

Originally Posted by lil_lissa

i always have the habit of needing to see part of me in order to judge where everything else is. when i was in my car, i always have part of the side of my car in the mirror so i could tell where abouts the other cars in my mirrors were.
i'm doing the same on my bike and have part of my arm in the mirror.. but still obviously have to do shoulder checks all the time

If you can get over the need for having to see a piece of your car in your side mirrors you can eliminate almost all your blind spot. I adjusted mine out and took a bit to get use to but now I have a good sense for what is going on around my car at all times based on my mirrors and periferal vision.

Basically, adjust the mirrors so as you pass a car they move from your periferal side vision (when you look over at the mirror) into the side mirror and then into the rear mirror. The object should only appear in both the rear mirror and side mirror for a small amount of transition.

Here is a tip for a quick start position and it is a good check each time you get in the car. For the LH mirror lean your head up to the side glass then adjust to see the side of your car. For the RH mirror lean your head to the middle of the car and adjust to just see the side of your car. When you sit up straight you will not see the sides of you car but have basically eliminated your blind spot. This also allows for a quick check to make sure no body messed with you mirrors when you get in you car each time. Before you head off lean to each side and make sure you can still just see the side of the car. If you can get use to it, you'll find the awarness of cars passing you is much better. That is, you never lose sight of them...

I found a couple sites when googled the topic. Here is one that backs up my method - http://www.wnins.com/losscontrol/bli...adjustment.pdf

As far as the motorcycle goes I'm still trying to find just the right spot. I too have them set to see my shoulder but I think I have too much overlap between the two (that is, too much of what is behind me and not enough to the side). Something to keep in mind is motorcycle mirrors on convex (compared to only LHS mirrors on cars). So, the do provide a bit wider field of vision. I think the best set up will have the minimum amount of overlap in both mirrors an object approached from behind.

[dragbar]

Good post Saabe.

I tend to do what Jes does...one with each mirror. I put smaller mirrors on the cruiser and I have a ride fast mirror (left) when I'm hunched a bit more and the slower mirror (right) when I'm more relaxed. But I will constantly adjust them going down the road if need be.

I never make a lane change without sticking my head around to see, and each covers where I can barely see my bag on back while on a long ride. It keep the majority of the lane behind me ready for those quick glances.