
Divide the rearview mirror into four parts: the outer 1/4 is the danger zone, and the inner 3/4 is the safe zone. Slow down in narrow lanes: When approaching a narrow lane ahead, slow down in advance, increase the distance from other vehicles, and avoid scraping against them. Occupying 1/4 of the right rearview mirror: When the vehicle behind occupies 1/4 of the right rearview mirror and the entire car is visible, the distance is about 25 meters, and you can perform a turning maneuver. Occupying half of the right rearview mirror: When the vehicle behind occupies half of the right rearview mirror and the entire car is still visible, the distance is approximately 10 meters, and you can signal before turning.

After driving for so many years, I often think about what the safety zone of the rearview mirror is. Simply put, the safety zone is when you look at the rearview mirror from the driver's seat, the road behind is completely clear in your field of vision, with no blind spots. For example, when adjusting the mirror, I make sure the mirror surface just covers the edge of the rear window, with not too much of the car body showing. This way, when reversing or changing lanes, a quick glance tells me the situation of the cars behind, avoiding any collisions. Once, while reversing in a parking lot, because my safety zone was set correctly, I spotted a child running in time and avoided an accident. I recommend everyone to regularly check the angle of their rearview mirrors—don’t be lazy. Safety comes first when driving. If the safety zone isn’t set properly, it can pose a major hidden danger.

The safety zone of the rearview mirror is all about eliminating driving hazards and ensuring you have a clear view of what's behind. I often remind others to sit upright when adjusting the mirror, align it with the distant road behind the car, and avoid tilting it too much to the side. When used in conjunction with the side mirrors, the entire field of vision becomes seamless, reducing blind spots. For example, when overtaking on the highway, if the safety zone is set correctly, you can judge the distance without turning your head. Data shows that many rear-end collisions stem from blind spots, so taking a minute to adjust is absolutely worth it. After years of driving, I've realized that the safety zone isn't a fixed position but requires slight adjustments based on personal height and habits. Remember, loose or dirty mirror frames also need attention, or the safety zone will be compromised.

I remember when I first started learning to drive, my instructor taught me about setting the safety zone for rearview mirrors. He said the safety zone is adjusting the mirrors so you can see the entire rear window without straining while driving. I followed his advice, sat in the correct position, and fine-tuned the angle to get a wider rear view. At first, it seemed unnecessary, but later when reversing, I found it made things much safer. It's best for beginners to develop the habit of checking frequently to avoid blind spots. Actually, a simple adjustment can significantly boost your sense of security—don't underestimate this small action.

When maintaining my vehicle, I always check the safety zone of the rearview mirror. First, ensure the mirror frame is stable and adjust the angle to just cover the area behind the car. During setup, sit in the driver's seat and manually adjust the mirror to eliminate blind spots on the road behind. If the mirror is blurry or loose, the safety zone becomes inaccurate, which could lead to accidents. It's recommended to clean the mirror regularly and quickly glance at its position before driving. A handy tip is to check that distant objects don't appear in both the rearview and side mirrors. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan of the safety zone, making driving more reassuring.

The design of the safety zone for rearview mirrors is quite meticulous, with different effects between flat mirrors and convex mirrors. I've used both types: flat mirrors provide a direct field of view but have larger blind spots, requiring more precise adjustment of the safety zone; convex mirrors offer a wider field of view, covering a broader safety area and reducing side blind spots, though the image distortion takes some getting used to. When adjusting, compensate based on the mirror type—for example, when setting the safety zone for a convex mirror, focus on the road behind without letting objects become too distorted. Different types affect driving safety, so choosing the right mirror and fine-tuning the angle is key.


