If you are learning to drive, one of the first pieces of advice you’ll receive is to be cautious about the distance of objects visible in the side view mirror.
The reason for this is that the distance of objects seen in the side view mirror is not the same as what it appears to be. But why does this happen? The explanation is quite interesting.
In fact, it has to do with the design of the side view mirror. The mirror is curved, which allows the driver to get a wider view and see more obstacles, helping to avoid accidents.
However, the downside of this design is that it alters the perceived size and distance of objects. As a result, objects may appear farther away than they actually are. For example, a car behind you may seem farther away than it really is, and if you believe this to be accurate, the risk of an accident increases.
This is why drivers are made aware of this issue with side view mirrors early on so they can ensure their safety while driving.
