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According to Julie Lee, National Director of AARP (American Association of  Retired Persons) Driver Safety, if you are buying a new car, it is essential that you have blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert devices as part of your safety equipment. In addition, your new car should be equipped with a backup camera (required on all new cars starting in 2018). If these devices do not come as standard equipment, then it is recommended that new vehicle buyers purchase the optional equipment.

The reasons that AARP, AAA (American Automobile Association) and other organizations are concerned about vehicle safety and blind-spot monitoring is that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) continues to show that the number of blind-spot accidents  occurring each year is increasing. The NHTSA believes the number would be even higher, but many blind-spot accidents go unreported, including side-swiping other cars in lane changes, and back-up accidents in parking lots of supermarkets and other retail stores. Despite this, statistics from NHTSA indicate that in each of the last 5 years there were about 850,000 reported blind-spot accidents with between 300 to 500 deaths. Although statistics are not yet available for 2014, one NHTSA researcher believes that there may be over 950,000 reported blind-spot accidents.

The hope is new technology will reduce the number of these accidents.

The Florida Driver's Handbook defines a blind-spot as "areas near the left and right rear corners of your vehicle that you cannot see in your rear-view mirrors." The AAA has expanded upon this definition to include the area directly behind a vehicle which cannot be seen in the rear-view mirror because it is too low and /or too close to the back of the vehicle. Tragically, this sometimes includes a small child.

There are some ways for those not considering a new vehicle purchase to eliminate blind spots. Some of these ways will help reduce, but, unfortunately, not eliminate blind-spot accidents. They include mirror adjustments and the installation of blind-spot mirrors.

 NPR's CarTalk suggests the following:

            Making existing mirror adjustments 

• Adjusting the side-view mirrors each time you get into the vehicle to drive.
• Adjusting the right side-view mirror by sitting in the driver's seat and leaning to the center of the vehicle. Then setting the right side mirror so only part of the vehicle is visible.
• Adjusting the rear-view mirror so that the rear window is framed.
• Adjusting the left side-view mirror by sitting in the driver's seat and putting your head against the window. Then setting the left side mirror so only part of the  vehicle is visible. 

More details can be found on NPR's CarTalk and/or from a certified driving instructor's suggestions.

"As Personal Injury Attorneys, we see many blind-spot accidents. These accidents include motorcycles making left turns and being hit by other vehicles. Hopefully, blind-spot accidents can be significantly reduced," says Attorney Randall Spivey.

Naples Vehicle Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.