Is it normal to look over your shoulder every time you switch lanes?

89% Normal
28 Comments

After I check my mirrors, I always look over my shoulder out my backseat window when I am switching to the right lane, and I look behind me when I switch to the left. Some people just use their mirrors. But there are blind spots and just relying on the mirrors means you can crash right into someone you can't see in the mirror right?
I it normal to look EVERY time I switch lanes? I don't want to look like a loser when I drive but I also don't want to kill someone.

Side note: My dad has a pickup truck with a cap on the back and no backseat windows to look out of, so he literally cannot look over his shoulder to check the right lane. How can you check the blind spot that way?

Voting Results
89% Normal
Based on 100 votes (89 yes)
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Comments ( 28 )
  • howaminotmyself
    11 years ago

    "Look like a loser"

    Since when do proper driving skills make you a loser. Is it cooler to not turn your head while driving? If it's impossible because of a lack of window, you adjust your lane changing techniques. Use signal, leave more time, be more observant, etc.

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  • NotStrangeBird
    11 years ago

    If you drive fast enough you only have to watch ahead of you.

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    • mixwell
      11 years ago

      This is true, if im passing someone to get over i know im clear behind me.

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    • Justsomejerk
      11 years ago

      Thumbed

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  • OswaldCobblepot
    11 years ago

    I wish there were more drivers like you.

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  • auzzie
    11 years ago

    In Australia you would fail your driving test if you don't shoulder check when swapping lanes

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    • AbnormallyAwesome
      11 years ago

      Yeah, also in Europe.

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  • [Old Memory]
    11 years ago

    Hell yeah you must always look over your shoulder, 1000 times more accurate with your eyes then a mirror...so many times I could have had an accident if I hadn't looked. You'd be a loser if you didn't look...I get moaned at for keeping to the speed limit...but I don't wanna kill anyone. Your fantastic driver! Don't change that habit :)

    Side Note: difficult with the truck...I'm sure you can get special additional mirrors to attach to help you. Its better then nothing..otherwise just drive reasonably...if you start to change lanes look in the mirrors as you do...if you see a another vehicle or hear a honk then move back to where you were

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  • q25t
    11 years ago

    Believe it or not, if you place out mirrors correctly, you can actually get rid of the blind spot entirely.

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    • Sasha_zt
      11 years ago

      not if you drive a sport compact Ford focus. there is 10 degrees of blind spot thanks to that round ass of the car.

      Back on topic. Yes. And it is advised to do so.

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      • Anonymous Post Author
        11 years ago

        It is SUPER freaky that you mention that... because I actually drive a ford focus hatchback! a ZX3 though not an SVT :(

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      • NeuroNeptunian
        11 years ago

        Is it the SVT? My cousin has an SVT, the engine sounds like a fucking lawnmower (I-4 engine) but that little bitch can zoom!

        I plan on looking into getting a Focus if and when my T-bird finally bites the dust.

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        • Sasha_zt
          11 years ago

          Yep.

          If you set the mirror on the focus, so that you wont see your car there is still a blind spot because the rear end of the car is thicker. You dont really see cars more than maybe 100 meters behind you, which can be dangerous on highway.

          Back on topic.

          Best way to check who is behind you is with rear parking cameras if there is no back window. they might cost you some $$$, but they can be useful. Especially on trucks/pickups...

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          • NeuroNeptunian
            11 years ago

            I know EXACTLY what you're talking about, then. My cousin never bothered to try that trick because he knew that it wouldn't work. He has the hatchback SVT so that's a lot of bulk in the back for a small car.

            Back on topic XD
            Trucks and pickups are actually considered more dangerous and accident prone then regular cars due to their blind spots. Like I said, all I have is a T-Bird to checking my shoulder is sufficient.

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      • q25t
        11 years ago

        The round ass of the car? All you do to eliminate the blind spot is put the mirrors far enough outward facing so you can't see your own car. Your own car doesn't affect this tip.

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  • moomus
    11 years ago

    I always do this

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  • Epofly
    11 years ago

    I always, always, always look over my shoulder, a little too vigorously, when changing lanes. Saved my life several times, especially at night.

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  • Thatguy777
    11 years ago

    That's what you're supposed to do.

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  • Wendell
    11 years ago

    IITL. Is it the law?

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  • kyleerichard
    11 years ago

    Common sense dude

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  • robbieforgotpw
    11 years ago

    I can't make a lane change without getting into an accident

    And then guess...

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  • NeuroNeptunian
    11 years ago

    FUCK YEAH I DO!

    I used to be lax with it but after a few close calls with some little Camrys or SUVs sneaking up on my side and hell, the motorcyclists splitting lanes, I do not take chances anymore!

    Before I change lanes, I turn on my signal, I check my rearview (front) rearview (side), check over my shoulder and then, unless the roadway is fairly empty, I slowly ease into the other lane. Because I only have liability coverage on my car and can't afford another one at this moment =/ Oh, and the killing people and safety shit.

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  • davesumba
    11 years ago

    Yes it's normal. my ex gf NEVER looked over her shoulder, she's like, well there's like never anyone in the blind spot, it's too much trouble to take 1 second to look over every time i have to turn. it's just a matter of time before she gets in a car accident.
    but, if you check your mirrors regularly, especially when a turn is somewhat close, then you can know whether or not a person is driving in your blind spot, which sometimes i do, it's just annoying to check mirrors all the time if you aren't turning.

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  • mixwell
    11 years ago

    i always look over my shoulder when switching lanes

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  • PapzBSlim
    11 years ago

    The only way you would look like a loser is if you cause an accident. My father taught me to always look over my shoulder to double check my self. What you do is actually sensible. Keep it up and I hope you never have an accident. Make sure to buckle up.

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  • dirtybirdy
    11 years ago

    I close my eyes and hope for the best.

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  • Justsomejerk
    11 years ago

    I try to but I admit that occasionally I lapse. I really do make a conscious effort though.

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  • Terence_the_viking
    11 years ago

    looking back over my shoulder.

    See that dick driving to fast.

    Never thought to crash his car.

    I never wanted to cause an accident.

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