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Driving
in America: Convex Mirrors and Caution Message
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Among the most basic and required
skills in America is driving an automobile.
Does the phrase
“OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR” sound familiar
to you?
You got it. It's printed on
the side-view mirror of your car. Driver's side? Passenger's
side? Both? I think You aren't quite sure; Right?
Well, only the convex mirror
on passenger-side of your car has this message printed on
it. Car manufacturers are required to provide flat, unit magnification
mirrors on the driver's side of the car. Even the inside rear-view
mirror also is flat and shows objects without distortion.
Engineers have found out that the convex side-view mirror
on passenger-side affords drivers a much clearer view of the
passenger-side of the car. This is because of the advantage
of convex mirrors - they allow a much wider angle of vision.
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However, the immortal
words "OBJECTS IN MIRROR ARE...." are mandated
by Federal law on all convex mirrors.
The government has also
set specific standards for the curvature of convex mirrors
- the average radius of curvature not be less than 35"
and no greater than 65".
The message is printed
in upper case letters and it is a standard phrase across
makes/models.
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With all these side-view mirrors,
rear-view mirrors, caution message apart, don’t forget to
check above your shoulders before making a move to change
lane, take a turn or exit the freeway. Let your driving be
smart and safe.
Trivia : Did you know that
almost all 50 states use prisoners to manufacture license
plates that the state DMV issues to you?
Useful links:
- Foreign
Visitors Driving in the U.S.: Quick facts for foreign
visitors about driving in America from FirstGov.
- Consumer
Alert from FTC: Ads for International Drivers' Licenses
or Permits Could Be a Dead End
-
Renew
Your Driver's License: Motor Vehicle Departments across
the US
- Driving
in the US: Information on driving in the United States
with a list of State Motor Vehicle Licensing Authorities.
- MapQuest:
Driving Directions
- Weekend
Getaway to Toronto for Desis from USA:
Toronto, one of the worlds most beautiful and accessible
cities, is welcoming and warm to international travelers
and tourist. Its proximity to the US border also means that
it is within driving distance from many major American (North/North
Eastern) cities. Toronto is one of the best and easiest
weekend holiday destination for North Americans and desis
too.
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