new rules of the road

Old habit: Set your outside mirrors so you can see the sides of your car.
New rule: Adjust the mirrors outward so the sides of the car are just outside your view, advises John McElroy. This greatly reduces or eliminates blind spots.

[from State Farm 2003] By properly adjusting your side-view mirrors and continuing to use your rear-view mirror you can reduce the 'blind spot.' For the driver-side mirror, place the left side of your face against the inside drivers side window, and set the mirror so you can just see the lst side of your car. For the passenger-side mirror, sit in the center of the front seat (if your car has bucket seats, lean to get your head as close to the center of the front seat (if your car has bucket seats, lean to get your head as close to the center of the windshield as possible) and set the mirror so you can just see the right side of your car. If you have adjusted your mirrors properly, you won't be able to see either side of your car in the mirrors while driving.

[1/11/09 starbulletin] Adjust the driver’s seat to the correct position. Lean your head and torso over to the left until your head contacts the window glass. I know, that seems too far. But trust me. Now, adjust the left-side mirror outward until you can barely see your own fender in it. Next, lean over to the right a similar distance, and adjust the right-side mirror so you can just see your own rear fender. Sit up straight. Your mirrors are now set to allow you to see other cars in your blind spot. You won’t need to swivel your neck around to be aware of traffic hiding at 60 mph right beside you. And the interior mirror will still let you see the traffic directly behind.