What distance should you adjust your mirrors to see along the sides of the bus?

Adjusting the mirrors on a bus is crucial for ensuring maximum visibility and safety while driving. To effectively see along the sides of the bus, it is recommended to position the mirrors to capture an area that extends 200 feet or approximately four bus lengths behind. This distance allows the driver to have a comprehensive view of the vicinity, including any vehicles or obstacles that may be approaching from the rear or sides, which is particularly important for larger vehicles like buses that have significant blind spots.

Setting the mirrors at this distance helps in mitigating potential hazards during maneuvers such as merging, lane changes, or turns. It creates a wider field of vision, allowing the driver to better assess the surrounding traffic conditions. Adjusting mirrors at shorter distances could result in blind spots that increase the risk of accidents. Hence, the choice of 200 feet serves the dual purpose of enhancing safety and adhering to best practices for large vehicle operation.