By Cooper

Introduction

This extended discussion on blind spots aims to challenge traditional thinking about the purpose and importance of blind spot checks in driving. Drawing from real-world observation, driver education materials, and cognitive research, we will re-examine how drivers—especially experienced ones—view blind spot checks, how habits evolve over time, and why proactive awareness is critical for long-term road safety. This discussion builds on past writings on toddcooper.com and ihaveevolved.com, emphasizing insights around human awareness, cognitive decline, and situational judgment that are integral to Cooper’s Calm driving philosophy.

(Note that at speed below 40km/h the blind spot is different and may well reveal new/unknown information)

Post 1: The Blind Spot Myth – It’s Not About Discovery

The purpose of a blind spot check is often misunderstood. Many drivers think of it as a way to discover whether a vehicle or obstacle is beside them, but in truth, its purpose should be about confirming what you already know. Ideally, a vigilant driver is continuously scanning the road ahead and monitoring the rearview mirror, building a mental map of the surrounding traffic. This active awareness allows the blind spot check to function as a final verification—essentially, a way to confirm that the environment remains consistent with your expectations.

This concept is rooted in the idea that driving is more than just following mechanical processes—like checking mirrors, signalling, or changing lanes. It is about understanding the dynamic and fluid environment around you. This aligns with Cooper’s driving philosophy, which emphasizes the driver’s brain as a central processing unit (CPU), constantly analyzing the road situation.

Even more so, this approach challenges the idea that drivers should rely on “seeing” something unexpected in the blind spot. If you’ve been paying attention, the check should reveal nothing new—it’s a safeguard to verify that your mental map aligns with reality.

Supporting Research

Studies on driver awareness and cognitive load support this approach. Research on cognitive load during driving shows that mental processing and awareness significantly impact how well drivers perceive their surroundings during tasks like lane changes and maintaining awareness of the vehicle environment. You can explore a related study here.

Post 2: Habitual Neglect – When Blind Spots Disappear From Consciousness

As drivers gain experience, many stop performing blind spot checks altogether, falling into a false sense of security. Over time, drivers come to assume that nothing is there, leading to a gradual erosion of critical safety habits. This behaviour stems from years of routine driving, where blind spot checks repeatedly reveal empty spaces, reinforcing the idea that skipping the check won’t lead to negative consequences. It’s the same mindset that causes some drivers to stop using turn signals when they believe no one is around.

The danger in this habitual neglect is twofold. First, the driver loses the physical practice of turning their head and engaging in the check, and second, they lose the ability to monitor their own declining awareness. As drivers age, their vision, hearing, and general sensory faculties decline—a fact that’s often overlooked because the physical check is no longer being performed. Without the head movement and the associated visual confirmation, drivers are left to rely on outdated perceptions of their situational awareness.

This issue is particularly relevant as drivers age. The American Psychological Association has highlighted how older drivers often make more errors related to blind spots because they assume their awareness is as sharp as it once was. Read more about this in their report on aging drivers here.

Post 3: Blind Spots at Speed – Do We Really Need to Check?

At speeds above 40 km/h, many drivers argue that blind spot checks are less necessary. The logic is simple: if you’re vigilantly scanning the road ahead and monitoring your rearview mirrors, you should already know what’s beside you. In theory, a driver who is actively aware of overtaking vehicles and cars entering the road from intersections or driveways has already accounted for their location. The physical check, then, becomes more of a confirmation step rather than a discovery.

However, relying solely on front and rear scanning requires a high degree of attentiveness and quick processing—skills that may decline with age or be affected by distractions. The National Safety Council (NSC) recommends combining front and rear awareness with physical checks, as overconfidence in one’s situational awareness can lead to overlooked hazards.

For instance, if a driver notices a car pulling out from a gas station and that car is no longer visible in the rearview mirror, they can logically deduce that the vehicle may now be in their blind spot. In such cases, the blind spot check serves as a verification of the driver’s own situational awareness.

Research by the NSC also shows that over-reliance on blind spot monitoring technology can lead to accidents, particularly when the system fails or malfunctions. You can read more about the importance of this check-in and their safety guidance here.

Conclusion: Expanding the Understanding of Blind Spots

Together, these three perspectives build a comprehensive argument for rethinking how drivers approach blind spots. The blind spot check is not about discovery—it’s about confirming what you already know. However, habitual neglect and overconfidence, especially among experienced or aging drivers, can lead to dangerous assumptions. By integrating front and rear scanning with regular physical checks, drivers can maintain a higher level of awareness and avoid the pitfalls of complacency.