There may be a link between vanity mirrors installed in modern cars and the 30 per cent rise in global car accidents linked to driver distraction, according to the International Drivers Association.
International Drivers Association Motoring Expert Dominic Wyatt outlined the potential for distraction with vanity mirrors.
“Vanity mirrors, though a standard feature in most vehicles today, pose a major distraction,” he said.
“They sadly turn our cars into potential kill zones, as drivers who should be focused on the road instead are preoccupied with their appearance.”
Unmasking the Vanity Mirror Dilemma
Vanity mirrors are typically positioned on the back of the sun visor, within easy reach of the driver. According to the International Drivers Association, that access, coupled with the universal human tendency to be concerned about one’s appearance, can create a lethal distraction off the road.
Statistics show:
- According to Forbes, traffic accidents linked to driver distraction have increased by 30 per cent globally.
- Up to 25 per cent of all fatality collisions involve a distracted driver.
- Distraction-related accidents are more prevalent in urban areas, where traffic density is high.
Prioritising Safety over Aesthetics
The auto industry faces stringent scrutiny for prioritising design over safety. With the ever-increasing digitalisation of cars today- multifunctional touchscreens, sophisticated infotainment systems, built-in Wi-Fi hotspots – the number of potential distractions has multiplied.
“It’s time for auto manufacturers to seriously consider the implications of their design choices. Focusing on creating an appealing aesthetic should never come at the cost of safety,” Wyatt said.
Advocacy Against Vanity Mirrors
An effective advocacy starts with creating awareness among drivers about the potential risks involved. Here are some key steps:
- Education: Enlighten drivers about statistics and real-life stories of accidents caused by vanity mirror distractions.
- Collaboration: Team up with road safety organisations to initiate public campaigns.
- Public Pressure: Petition car manufacturers to prioritise safety over non-essential conveniences.
“We all play a role in traffic safety and that means acknowledging and re-evaluating potential distractions like vanity mirrors,” Wyatt said.
This article was originally published on The National Collision Repairer.