What is the best way to compensate for blind spots while driving?

Looking over your shoulder is essential for compensating for blind spots while driving because it allows you to physically check areas that mirrors may not adequately cover. Mirrors can help provide a general view of the surroundings, but there are certain angles where objects, particularly vehicles, can remain hidden from view. By turning your head and looking over your shoulder, you gain a more comprehensive perspective of nearby traffic and obstacles that mirrors alone might miss.

Using mirrors only can lead to a false sense of security, as they do not eliminate all blind spots. While installing additional mirrors can reduce blind spots, it may not be a complete solution as there can still be areas that are not visible. Reducing speed, although generally a good driving practice, does not directly address the need to check blind spots before making maneuvers like changing lanes or merging. Thus, incorporating a head check by looking over your shoulder is considered the best practice for ensuring that your blind spots are adequately monitored.