Why is it that the right side mirror of most cars have this on them? Why can’t the mirror just reflect things as they are?
The convex curvature gives the driver a wider field of view, and also reduces blind spots.
Also the mirror is a foot or two in front of you, so you’re seeing the object behind you from further away than you would if you just turned your head. But this is not likely to have a huge effect.
Ah ha. Makes sense. Thank you, gentlemen.
It occurs to me that you, being in the UK, have the driver’s side mirror on the right side, whereas we (including the OP), have it on the left. I’ve never seen driver’s side convex mirrors. Does anyone know if they make them?
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I’ll just mention that I’ve always thought that the phrase, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear” is one of the greatest examples of prose writing ever. Consider the complexity of the concept being communicated and the extremely limited space available, and then try and write a sentence that says the same thing in fewer words. Go ahead and try. I’ll wait.
Hah! Not that easy, is it?
(My best shot: substitute “look” or “seem” for “appear.” But “appear” really is better at conveying the notion of the reflection.)
If I had written it (first, that is), I would have been very pleased with myself.
Okay, maybe this seems a little weird, but I’m a writer and editor and am always trying to be clearer in fewer words.
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