Driving Lessons in the Derby Area
with a Professional Derby Driving Instructor

The 'Sideways Glance'

There is often confusion between the 'sideways glance' on the move and checking blindspots whilst stationary. Before moving off it is necessary to have a good and thorough look round as well as check the mirrors as you will not necessarily see little children on bikes about to pass you or a car coming out of an adjacent drive in the mirrors owing to the blind spots caused by the car's bodywork. It is interesting to note that these blindspots are getting larger as manufacturers make cars 'safer' with thicker door pillars to protect the occupants in a collision.
The 'sideways glance' however, is just that, a quick glance to the side whilst moving at speed to detect a vehicle alongside that can't be seen in the mirrors; there will be no small children on bikes trying to pass at the time or cars shooting out from their drives on the other side of the road, so a thorough look round is not necessary, and owing to your speed might well be dangerous.
As making a sideways glance requires looking away from the road ahead whilst travelling at speed it isn't ideal, so make full use of the mirrors and peripheral vision at all times to keep these glances to a minimum - which would be even less necessary if all vehicle manufactures would fit their products with substantial door mirrors.
Peter Jackson Dip.DI