What is an important characteristic of convex mirrors on many buses?

Convex mirrors are commonly used on buses and other large vehicles due to their unique ability to provide a wider field of view compared to flat or concave mirrors. One important characteristic of convex mirrors is that they allow the driver to see a larger area behind the vehicle, which is crucial for safety, especially when checking for pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles in blind spots.

The reason they make objects appear smaller and farther away stems from the design of the convex surface. When light rays strike the mirror, they are reflected outward, which causes the images to be compressed. This visual effect helps drivers to maximize their awareness of the surrounding environment, but it also means that distances and sizes might not be perceived accurately, leading to the necessity for drivers to use additional caution when judging the distance of vehicles or objects seen in the convex mirror.

This characteristic makes them especially useful for maintaining safety on the road without creating confusion about their purpose or effectiveness. The other considerations of legality, maintenance frequency, and capability to cover blind spots do not pertain to the recognized benefits of using convex mirrors—highlighting their importance in enhancing safety for bus operators and those sharing the road.