Neck Mobility

 Many collisions related to merging and lane-changing are the resultof the driver's inability to check the vehicle's blind spotsadequately. Many drivers do not have the good habit of checking theirblind spots, and some think that they adequately check the blind spotsby looking in the rearview and outside mirrors.

Thedriver should be able to adequately turn his or her neck to make adirect visual check of the blind spots on the left and right sides ofthe vehicle. Drivers should adopt the habit of checking their blindspots and understand the importance of doing so before merging orchanging lanes.

If turning the head to make a directvisual check of the blind spots is a problem for the driver, he or shecan try the Enhanced Mirror Settings method of mirror adjustment.

Itis important that the driver understand that the Enhanced Mirror Settings method does not eliminate the need for further checking theblind spots. Some drivers just do not have adequate mobility of thehead, neck, or trunk to perform this vital task for safe driving.

Variousafter-market mirrors are available and allow drivers to see into theblind-spot area without looking over a shoulder. If the driver lacksthe mobility to adequately check the blind spots, he or she may consultan occupational therapist or driving rehabilitation specialist with thetraining to determine which type of after-market mirror would be most suitable for the driver’s particular limitation. 

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