chapter 5 — see-think-do Observing behind  61 Your side‑ and rear‑view mirrors let you know what is happening  behind you. Adjust them to get the best possible view. Look in  each mirror about every five to eight seconds and pay attention  to what you see.  Rear-view mirrors  — look in the rear‑view mirror before you  slow down or stop. Will the cars behind you have space to  stop? If not, you may need to take action.  Side-view mirrors  — use your side‑view mirrors whenever you  are planning to change your road position or direction. When  you’re pulling away from the right side of the road, you need  to check your left mirror to make sure there are no cars coming  from behind. If you’re making a lane change to the right, check your right mirror to make sure there’s enough space to move into.  Blind spots  — even when your mirrors are properly adjusted,  there are large areas that you can’t see in your mirrors. These  are called blind spots. The most dangerous blind spots are to  the side. There are also blind spots below your field of vision to the front, rear and both sides of your vehicle.  Each vehicle has smaller  blind spots at the front  and at the back, as well as  the two large blind spots  on the sides. Their size  depends on the shape  and size of your vehicle.  Try sitting in your vehicle  and finding the areas you  can’t see even when you  use your mirrors.  Blind spot detectors, cameras  — Some vehicles are equipped  with blind spot detectors and/or back‑up cameras. While these  can help you to detect hazards in blind spots or behind the  vehicle, they do not replace the need to turn your head to do a  shoulder check or look behind. Shoulder checks  — whenever you plan to change your  direction or r oad position, do a shoulder check to make sure  the blind spot on that side is clear.  When you’r going to turn right, for example, quickly check to  the right just to make sure no one is in that space. And don’t  forget to do a mirror check and shoulder check before you  open your door to get out of your vehicle. A cyclist or other  vehicle could be coming up beside you. Blind spot Blind spot Blind spot Blind spot