When looking at your rearview mirrors, have you ever noticed those little black lines on the side? They seem harmless, but they play a key role in road safety. So why are they there and how can they help you drive better? Explanations.
A detail that makes all the difference
Modern rearview mirrors are not just mirrors: they are designed to improve visibility and reduce the areas that the driver cannot see . On many cars, there are what are called aspherical mirrors .
Their particularity?
They are slightly curved on the outer end .
This curvature allows the field of vision to be widened and partially reduces blind spots , those dangerous areas where motorcycles, bicycles and cars can hide without being spotted.
The famous black line precisely marks the separation between:
- The flat part , which reflects a faithful image.
- The curved part , which widens the vision.
Thanks to this visual distinction, the driver’s eye adapts more quickly and spots potential dangers more easily.
Fewer blind spots, more safety
Without these aspherical mirrors , changing lanes or watching for a car that is overtaking you requires increased vigilance . The curvature of the mirror reduces these blind spots, thus limiting unpleasant surprises when you want to overtake or merge into traffic .
Correctly adjusting your aspherical mirror to your driving position will maximize its effectiveness .
Result? Less risk of accidents, better awareness of your surroundings and smoother driving .
What if your car doesn’t have an aspherical mirror?
for the rest see the following page
