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There are several after market products that can be purchased and installed on your vehicles that may increase your driving comfort and may even increase your safety.  They are not designed for people with a disability and do not require a physician prescription, though some of the equipment may require training for people with disabilities effecting visual perception or attention difficulties, so as I always say, this blog is no substitution for a driver rehabilitation evaluation by a qualified driver rehabilitation specialist.

Auxiliary Mirrors 
The first category is auxiliary mirrors.  These can be as simple as spotting mirrors, which can help you see your blind spot.  Truckers have been using these for years and they can be very helpful, but I do not like the idea of blocking part of the side view mirror with the spotting mirror, so I like to recommend the Lanechanger II or III mirror (www.lanechanger.com). 

Lanechanger III
I prefer the Lanechanger III mirror which would replace your original rearview mirror, but with vehicles with electronics such as, map lights, On Star or back-up camera in the rearview mirror, then you would need the Lanechanger II which sits on top your rear view mirror. 

The reason I like the permanent one is that there in no adjusting the top convex mirror, if you set the bottom mirror as you normally set your rearview mirror, the top mirror is automatically correct.  I have had to adjust the stick on mirror to be sure it is getting the correct view in some cars.  What is nice about the lanechanger mirror is that the top mirror allows you to see you blind spots.  For parents it also allows a view of children or pets in the back seat. 

Sonus
Another useful mirror is the Sonus (www.sonus-usa.com and look under accessories).  This is an auxiliary mirror that you put on the windshield even with the side view mirror and it allows you to see your blind spot without checking over your shoulder.  You never have to remove your field of view from the front, which can improve safety. 

I have trialed this mirror for training and have been disappointed with it’s quality, though to be fair I am removing and placing it on my vehicle almost daily.  I think it would be fine if left in one place.  It only is applicable to the driver side, so you would still need to check over your right shoulder to check the right side blind spot.

VisionPro 
VisionPro is a mirror that attaches over the entire manufacturer’s rearview mirror.  It also gives an expanded view and allows the driver to see rear passengers.  I trialed this with a patient who had decreased peripheral vision after brain surgery and he liked it better than the Lanechanger mirror and it also allowed him to see the front passenger, which he was unable to do because of limited peripheral vision on the right. 

He did not like the lanechanger mirror because he had to look at two mirrors to get the information.  This mirror makes vehicles behind look closer.  It can be purchased in a set of 2 at www.qvc.com.  It can be difficult to fit over mirrors with electronic devices in them or fatter style rearview mirror, but I have been able to get it on our training vehicle mirror.  I still prefer the lanechanger mirror, but it may be because I have been using it as my training mirror for a long time and I am used to it.

Smartview Mirror
Smartview Mirror is a mirror you attach to the original side view mirror it is about 3x2 inches and mounted in the lower outside corner of the side view mirror.  It is curved and angles so that you see crucial information.  It can be purchased at www.skidmonster.com.  Click on products and scroll down to find the mirror.  This mirror can also be helpful in teaching timing for lane changes