Which statement about adjusting outside mirrors is true?

• A. It eliminates all traffic
• B. It is unnecessary if you use the rearview mirror
• C. It helps reduce blind spots
• D. It decreases your field of view

Answer: (C)

Properly adjusting outside mirrors expands your view to the sides and behind you, helping you monitor areas that the rearview mirror alone can’t show. When the mirrors are angled so you can just see the edge of your own car and then reveal more of the adjacent lanes, you reduce blind spots and increase your awareness of vehicles in neighboring lanes. This makes lane changes and merging safer because you can detect cars that would otherwise be hidden in your peripheral area. It’s not about eliminating all traffic, and the rearview mirror isn’t a substitute for outside mirrors—both are needed. Also, correctly set outside mirrors don’t decrease your field of view; they broaden it, whereas misadjusted mirrors can narrow what you effectively see.