013: A Simple Change of Scenery

Something as simple as a Sunday drive can change everything.

Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. 

If not for the fact that it’s inscribed on every passenger side mirror in North America, this innocuous little sentence might have never seen the light of day. 

This safety warning is designed to expand a driver’s view reducing the likelihood that they misperceive what they see to the immediate right of the car. And in order to achieve a wider field of view, the mirror is curved, which distorts what the driver perceives. 

So by distorting a driver's perception in one way, you enhance perception in another– seemingly more important way.  

Are we missing something here? 

Could the auto industry’s attempt to insulate itself against a litigious populous be something else entirely? 

This inscription… an existential tap on the shoulder? 

An invitation – to examine our own perceptions?

Tune in to find out! 

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Until next time... Be nice. Do good stuff.