More than 94 percent of car accidents involve human error, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That means the vast majority of collisions are avoidable if drivers behave responsibly, follow traffic laws and maintain their vehicles.

Accident prevention starts well before you hit the road. All drivers should take steps to make their vehicles as safe as possible. One of the most important – and often overlooked – measures you can take is adjusting your mirrors.

Properly angled rear-view and side mirrors can help you spot hazards early and take evasive action. Unfortunately, even the most responsible drivers can fall victim to negligent motorists.

If you were injured by a drunk, distracted, or reckless driver in Michigan, contact Christopher Trainor & Associates. A personal-injury attorney in Detroit will evaluate your accident to determine if you have grounds for a claim.

Call 1-800-961-8477 to schedule a free case evaluation.

Read on for a step-by-step guide for adjusting your vehicle’s mirrors:

Start with the Rear-View Mirror

CarTalk recommends that you set up your rear-view mirror so you can comfortably see the entire back window. You should not have to move your head when using this mirror.

According to the American Automobile Association, drivers who are taller than 6 feet may find it helpful to flip the mirror upside down. This will raise the mirror’s bottom edge about 1 to 2 inches and reduce your blind spot.

Then, lean your head to the left. When your head touches the driver’s window, adjust the left-side mirror so you can see the back corner of your vehicle. Lean the same distance toward the right – your head should be over the center console – and adjust the right-side mirror in the same fashion.

With this setup, you will first spot a vehicle behind you in your rear-view mirror. As the car passes, you will see it move to the side of your rear-view mirror. As soon as the vehicle’s headlight disappears from your rear-view mirror, you should see it appear in your side mirror. This transition should be seamless and without delay so you are always able to survey surrounding traffic.

Check Alignment of Left and Right-Side Mirrors

You may still need to tweak the angles of your mirrors slightly. Drive alongside a line of stationary vehicles to simulate another lane of traffic next to you. Make sure the vehicles appear in your side and rear-view mirrors at the appropriate times.

If you were injured by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to compensation for health-care expenses, time off work and other damages. Contact Christopher Trainor & Associates for legal advice. A Detroit injury lawyer will protect your interests and guide you through the claims process.

We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-961-8477 to schedule a free case evaluation.