The Importance of Safety Mirrors and Some Factors to Consider Before Buying One

The number of car accidents across the globe is surging at an alarming rate of roughly 3,287 deaths per day. As per a survey conducted by News Trail, around 20 to 50 million injuries and approximately 3 million car accident fatalities are sustained every year across the world. And in the United States, the numbers seem to be getting only worse. Although distracted driving and speeding are some common contributing factors, the absence of safety mirrors also play a crucial factor in such car crashes worldwide. Safety mirrors are used to ensure the security of drivers and reduce the risk of collisions in specific traffic areas or blind corners. According to market analysts, the global safety mirrors market will generate a revenue of $81,187.90 million and grow at 4.3% CAGR during the 2022-2030 forecast timeframe.

What are Safety Mirrors and What are Their Primary Applications?

A safety mirror is basically a convex mirror with a reflective surface that curves outwards or bulges out towards the light source. Such mirrors have a protruding surface that reflects light in every direction and are mostly used to safety purposes in areas where traffic visibility is obstructed. Convex mirrors are the ones used as inside mirrors in a vehicle that make up a virtual image of the object, however, the image’s size is much smaller than the actual object.

Some common applications of a safety mirror are as follows:

1. ATMs
2. Rear-view mirrors in vehicles to see blind spots easily
3. For security reasons in buildings
4. In shops to tackle shoplifting
5. At construction sites that have low visibility areas
6. On the roads that have low visibility corners
7. In car parking lots

Factors to Consider While Buying a Safety Mirror

Although safety mirrors have numerous advantages and applications, deciding where you would want to put it eases the whole mirror-selecting process that seems quite daunting for many. So, here are some factors one should consider before buying a safety mirror:

1. Indoor or Outdoor

Before buying one, you first need to clarify if you need a safety mirror for outdoor or indoor use. This helps you choose the type of mirror that best matches your requirements. In case you need it for indoor purposes like in schools, shops, garages, warehouses, etc., look for ones that have a highly effective acrylic font. With wide availability in different sizes, these mirrors can help you see around corners and bends with much ease. For outdoor purposes, the most common type of convex mirrors is the one with a plastic backing and an acrylic font that are very lightweight and easy to install.

2. Material of the Mirror

The material of a safety mirror determines its lifespan. Stainless steel safety mirrors are used in areas with high risk of vandalism and are made of high-quality glass. On the other hand, acrylic safety mirrors are more resistant to damage and offer clear reflection. These mirrors are usually used for indoor purposes with low risk of damage.

3. Size of the Mirror

Deciding the size of the mirror is one of the most important factors that can help the safety mirror to best serve your requirement. You can choose the mirror’s size and curvature according to the viewing distance you wish to attain. Nonetheless, consulting a professional can ensure of making the right decision.

Optimizing Security with Safety Mirrors

Installing safety mirrors offer several advantages like reducing car accidents on roads, preventing shoplifting, and can also be used in ATMs, parking areas, buildings, etc. to prevent any other mishaps and vandalism. Besides, these mirrors can also help pedestrians see around the corners and look out for speeding vehicles.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.