When you think about things that block your view when you drive, what are the most common items that come to mind?

Semi-trailers?

The pillars on the sides of your windshield?

The fuzzy dice hanging from your rear view mirror?

These can all be visual obstructions of course, but there are some less common items that can be just as hazardous when you’re driving, so it’s important to keep your eyes open.

Here are four things you may not have realized you should look out for when driving:

1. Glare from the sun as well as from headlights
2. Overgrown hedges, trees or other foliage, restricting sight lines for drivers who are entering the roadway
3. Motorcyclists because you may not expect to encounter them on the roads
4. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration says having passengers in your vehicle may also cause visual obstructions because you may look but may not see the road while engaged in conversations

What are some ways you can protect yourself?

• The California DMV recommends that you don’t hang things from your mirrors or block your windows. This is the best way to keep an unobstructed view.

• Keeping your windows and mirrors clean is also important and that means making sure snow and ice are removed from windows in inclement weather.

• Make sure all windows are in good working order and aren’t cracked or missing.

It may sound obvious, but paying attention to the road and environment around you while you are driving is absolutely the best way to ensure your safety.

If you do suffer car damage due to a visual obstruction, for example a car bumps into yours from a driveway on the other side of an overgrown hedge, call Great Plains Auto Body. We can fix you right up.

Schedule your appointment today at 402-334-7100.