I noticed that only the furthest side view mirror has this statement on it. Does it have to do with the angle with which one views the reflected image?
2007-01-22 15:30:21 · 7 answers · asked by smawtadanyew 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
The short answer is because the mirror is convex and it makes objects appear a bit smaller (i.e. farther away) than they normally would.
It's like looking at the bottom of a shiny spoon, only not as drastic.
The opposite side mirror is slightly convex in order to give you a wider viewing angle. This is to reduce the size of the "blind spot" to the right rear of your car. This blind spot would otherwise have a much wider angle and would cause you to not be able to see as much on that side of the car.
Because the near side mirror is closer to you, it naturally gives you a wider viewing angle and no distortion of the mirror is necessary. (The closer you hold a mirror to your eyes, the more you can see in that mirror when held at an angle away from your head.)
2007-01-22 15:33:54 · answer #1 · answered by Yep! 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The mirror is convex because Federal regs state the viewing area it must present the driver. Because he is so far away from the mirror, this is the only way to get that viewing area.
One must never use that mirror to determine if it is safe to make a lane change to the right. The overhead rear view mirror is the one to use. For me, if I can see both headlights of a car behind and to the right I know it is safe to change.
2007-01-22 16:48:15 · answer #2 · answered by Ed 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because in order for those mirrors to give you a wide field of view they need to slightly concave ... making the image appear to be farther away ... ( this is a little like nearsighted glasses, but you get used to them very fast because everything is farther away ) so when you see a car behind you ... make sure where it is, because it may be closer than you think or coming up faster than it looks.
2007-01-22 17:22:13 · answer #3 · answered by themountainviewguy 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
NO. it has nothing to do with the angle. it says so bcause the mirror is a concave mirror and does not give a realistic representation of the distance. the image shown is nearer in real life than it appears.
2007-01-22 15:38:39 · answer #4 · answered by mrinal1976 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Its the type of mirrow that is being installed. Often on the passenger side, they install a convex mirror and that makes objects farther away, but gives you are larger field of vision.
2007-01-22 15:34:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because of the angle of reflection necessary for you to see it at that extreme angle sitting in the driver's seat.
2007-01-22 16:58:35 · answer #6 · answered by rawson_wayne 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
http://www.thephatphree.com/features.asp?StoryID=1800&SectionID=11&em=jcaruso59%40msn%2Ecom&guid=D66C97A96EF24CD78D9CAF4AA58436A5
2007-01-22 15:33:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋