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This paper describes a driver's side outside rearview mirror that combines a spherically convex blind zone mirror with a planar main viewing mirror in such a manner as to comply with FMVSS 111. It is shown that a mirror of this type can potentially reduce lane change type accidents, and the costs associated with failing to provide such a mirror are estimated. The limitations and effects imposed by FMVSS 111 are discussed. The blind zone is defined in terms of the driver, the vehicle and the highway. A mirror performance specification is presented that defines what a blind zone mirror must show to the driver to be classified as a true blind zone mirror. Various ways of implementing the combination mirror are described. Also, the performance of this mirror arrangement is compared to the aspheric outside mirror.

Equations are derived which describe and relate the magnification, viewing angle and reflected illuminance of convex mirrors as used in automotive applications. The derived equations are compared to those for plane mirrors. Using these equations, the viewing angles of automotive rearview mirrors are calculated and depicted. The blind zones are defined in terms of the viewing angles, obstructions to vision, perceptibility limitations, and the lateral separation of vehicles. Various strategies for overcoming the blind zones are discussed.