Checking your blind spot

[TobyLaRohne]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if you could clarify something for me, I had discussion with a friend last night in a bar (who has apparently done a defensive driving course) who said his wife did the seemingly extremely dangerous thing of turning her head to check her blind spot before changing lane etc..apparently you should never take your eye off straight ahead even for a split second. I checked the highway code which says to check your blind spots by turning your head. He said because he was a defensive driver trained guy you're taught to check your blind spot with your mirrors... what does the IAM say about checking blind spots? I always thought you should place your mirrors well to allow for the best visability and still check your blindspot by physically looking.

[TobyLaRohne]

It wasn't a case of proving him wrong, I just wanted to know if I was doing something I shouldn't be. I always check my blind spot by turning my head, infact it actually scares me when I'm a passenger and the driver only makes a quick glance in the mirror before changing lane.

[TobyLaRohne]

7db said:

Quite simply good advanced driving gives you more ogling time.

So in effect, a better advanced driver will create a situation/space where a more thorough check of the blindspot can be made?...seems reasonable

[TobyLaRohne]

If it's good enough for the IAM it's good enough for me.

Of course I haven't stopped checking over my shoulder

[TobyLaRohne]

JustNeil said:

This is a requirement for a motorcycle test (called a lifesaver), so he's saying that everyone who has passed their motorbike test is riding dangerously? What utter tosh!

He needs to take a few more lessons with someone who knows what they're talking about, or get his money back.

...I don't want to put the guy down. I just wanted to be sure in myself that I'm exercising best practice (regardless of level of driver training) by physically turning my head to check your blindspot (either stationary or in motion).

[TobyLaRohne]

MrB1obby said:

7mike said:

MrB1obby said:

Haven't read the whole post.

As a biker, you look over your shoulders to check your blind spots. That guy is a complete tool.

Assuming you are referring to the ‘defensive driving bloke’ described in the op; I suspect a little bit of ‘Chinese Whispers’. Guy in the pub said his wife’s sister’s best friend’s husband said……

Now that would make more sense!

still here, I can confirm the guy was genuine in his belief asto his source being a defensive driving instructor, I don't know if it was true where he got the information, it hasn't come up since but I'm glad to see the matter is still being discussed on here...(I'm still checking my blind spots by looking by the way )