Set your car mirrors this way and you WILL drive safer
If this isn't taught in all driving schools, it should be.
For a few years now I have been driving with my car mirrors positioned to the exact way I will describe to you below, and yes, it has saved my butt more than a few times. How? I can spot drivers behind me much more easily, particularly in the rear corner areas. These areas are known as blind spots.
First I will describe how everybody sets up their side mirrors wrong, then tell you how to do it right.
The WRONG way
You sit in the driver's seat and adjust each side mirror inward to the point where you just start to see your own car.
This is what you're doing when you do that:
When you set your side mirrors from the normal seated driving position, this results in making your existing blind spots even worse.
The RIGHT way
This is what you want. Instead of angling the side mirrors towards your car, you angle them more outward to see more of what's behind and to the side of you.
How to angle your side mirrors the RIGHT way
All it takes to do this is to set your side mirrors the same way you did before, with one exception. Change the position of your head while doing it.
Driver's side mirror: Move your head to the left until it touches the driver's side window. While your head is there, adjust the mirror until your car is almost out of view so it looks like this while your head is leaned against the window glass:
Passenger side mirror: Position your head in the middle of your car. The easiest way to do this is to lean to the right until your head is lined up with the center of your windshield rear view mirror. Keep your head there, then look directly at the passenger side mirror and adjust it until your car is almost out of view while your head is positioned in the center of the car, so you see something similar to this:
Will it feel weird to drive with your mirrors this way?
At first, yes.
You've most likely been angling your side mirrors incorrectly all your driving life, so you're completely used to the wrong way of doing it. It will take a few days before you get accustomed to correctly angled side mirrors.
However, believe me when I say that you will very much appreciate having your blind spots diminished dramatically. Angling them as I've described increases your panoramic view and decreases your blind spots quite a bit.
Does this totally eliminate blind spots?
No, but you want to give yourself every advantage you can when it comes to seeing not only what is behind you but also behind and to the sides.
You might be asking, "Why should I bother angling mirrors like you say when I can just get stick-on blind spot mirrors?" Answer: Most cars with properly angled side mirrors don't need those, with emphasis on most. There are still some vehicles where the blind spot mirrors are absolutely required (like a cargo van.)
Does this help with backing out of a parking spot?
No. The two biggest advantages to properly angled mirrors you will immediately notice are better visibility when making lane changes and better visibility when stopped at a multi-lane intersection traffic light when other cars are approaching behind you.
Properly angled mirrors don't give you any safer advantage backing straight out of a parking spot. The only way to make that safer is to choose better parking spots with fewer obstructions. In a mall parking lot, for example, better to choose a spot at the far end of the lot where there are fewer cars and walk it instead of taking the closer spot where both more cars and people are.
You will start to notice how many people have their side mirrors angled incorrectly
This is actually an added safety bonus because it gives you warning in advance.
You're traveling on a multi-lane road, such as a highway, and approach a slower driver. You check your mirrors, see no cars, okay, it's safe to change lanes. You signal, change lanes and go to pass. If from a quick glance in that slower driver's side mirror you cannot see that driver's face at all, it's very likely they can't see you. Right there and then, you're absolutely in a danger zone until you get side-by-side with that other car so that other driver can actually see you.
When you learn to recognize these danger zones (and you will,) it will save your butt many times over anywhere there is a multi-lane road. There's always that idiot who does that "Oh! I have to turn RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW!" maneuver, and then proceeds to quickly turn into the lane where you are with no warning. Spotting improperly angled side mirrors on other cars lets you know immediately of a danger zone and to keep your distance.
Angling your side mirrors correctly will make you a better driver.
A good reason to own a digital camera: Waterproof
Being waterproof is actually one of a few reasons to own one of these.
Take the Olympus Tough TG-6, a proper waterproof digital camera. True, you can go cheap with a waterproof digital camera, but if you do, you probably won't be pleased with the cheap stuff. This is one of those instances where you truly do get what you pay for.
Taking photos with a smartphone works in most instances, but when Mother Nature is introduced to the situation, that's when a phone is just a useless plastic brick. Yes, the smartphone waterproof case exists, but that doesn't get the job done because it's not tough-built.
The TG-6 is both waterproof and tough. And what does "tough" mean here? Waterproof, dust-proof, shock-proof, crush-proof, freeze-proof. That's what it means. Your phone can't be all of these things, but the TG-6 is.
Real world situations where this actually matters
Ordinarily, the way one of these is marketed is by showing outdoor adventures. Biking, hiking and that sort of thing.
Where having one of these actually makes more sense is in manual labor environments. Construction, working in the yard, working on a car, and so on. The places where you wouldn't dare take a phone is where a camera of this type can go to take the photos you need.
Note the metal loop on the side. A roofer could put a strap through there, attach to the tool belt and have a camera at-the-ready whenever he needs it. That's actually really convenient.
Owning one of these is for the same reason one owns a G-SHOCK watch
Why buy a G-SHOCK? It's tough and goes anywhere. This is the same reason you get a TG-6 for taking photos.
A complaint I've had about smartphones for years is that they can't handle life, so it's no wonder Otter cases sell so well. And for environments when the Otter case isn't enough (which happens more often than you think) where you need to take a photo or record video on something that won't break, that's what the TG-6 is for.
I remember when a tool set like this used to cost several hundred dollars
I'm a dude, therefore I like tools.
The fact you can get the 228-piece tool set seen above for cheap or the 158-piece version for even less is incredible - especially considering every piece meets or exceeds ANSI standards (meaning the tools will actually last), and it all fits in one case.
I have a tool bag, because of course I do. In that bag is a big ol' pile of tools that are absolutely not organized at all. Every time I need a tool to do something, I have to dig through the bag to find whatever thing I need to do the thing I need to get done. Yes, it's annoying.
How come I don't have a proper tool set case? The tools I have are a collection of them I've bought over the years. If I needed a certain tool, I would just get that tool only. Or, if I were forced to buy a set, I'd get the smallest set possible.
The end result of this is the pile of unorganized stuff in the bag that can never be organized since nothing goes with anything else.
Bear in mind this does not include the crap I have outside the bag. I have electronics tools, guitar tools, car tools, a special torx set just for working on older Garmin GPSes, a socket set (which thankfully does have a case) and so on.
I even have tools where I know what they do but I don't know what they're called, such as thing-a-ma-doo to remove plastic rivets. My car has these rivets, and I need to remove a few whenever a tail light change is required. What's the tool called? No idea. I've seen it labeled as a clip puller, auto clip fastener remover, and it has other names. What's the proper name? WHO KNOWS? But I know what it does, I have one, and also know there is no way at all to store it properly because of its odd shape, so in the tool bag it goes.
If I got the tool kit above - as in the 228-piece one specifically - I'm certain that would replace a lot of loose tools I have. I should really get one.
The worst Halloween costume I've ever seen
This is seriously making me lose my faith in humanity.
In my time on this Earth, I've seen a lot of stuff. Most of the time, whenever I see something odd, I just give it a miss. But every now and then, something comes along that actually makes me stop and ask questions. Questions like, "Who thought of this? Why was time and effort put into designing this garbage? Why were resources completely wasted to even make this thing?" Yeah, things like that.
And with that, I bring you:
...the poop and toilet paper couples Halloween costume. Yes, this actually exists.
But wait, it gets better. There is also the corn poop costume. And don't think the kids are left out, because there's a poop costume for kids too.
Let's just examine all this for a moment.
I genuinely feel sorry for any kid that gets one of these even if they asked for it. That means the parent, not thinking at all of the total embarrassment that kid will face in the future (because of course pictures will be taken to look back on at a future date), just said, "Yep, this is good. I'll dress my child as a turd. What could possibly go wrong?"
As for the adults, anybody that wears a poop costume has made a conscious decision to dress as human waste. Think about that.
True, poop is far from the grossest thing you could dress as for Halloween. For example, you could dress as a zombie in which there are many levels of how gross you want to get with that.
However, dressing as a zombie is not the same as dressing as human waste. The poop costume is the most unimaginative, low brow, tasteless thing you could wear. You might as well wear a sign that says "I'm stupid" to go along with it, because you are if you wear a poop costume.
Don't get a poop costume. And if you see any of your friends wearing one this year, stop being friends with them. You do not want to be associated with an idiot that dresses up as human waste.
Garmin DriveSmart 66 review
Money was spent on this. Was it worth it?
Yes.
At the time I write this, I've been using Garmin GPS navigators for 17 years (since 2005) and have used many of their automotive models. The DriveSmart 66 is one of Garmin's latest offerings.
Due to the fact most people are used to infotainment and phones, here are some common questions with answers.
Does the DriveSmart 66 need a smartphone to work?
A phone is not required for the DriveSmart 66 to work. The unit operates by literally communicating with GPS satellites in space. You can wirelessly connect your smartphone to the 66 for additional things like Alexa, weather reports and so on, but it is not required to do so.
Is the internet required for the DriveSmart 66 to work?
No. The 66 can function all on its own without an internet or a data connection.
Do you need to pay for GPS?
You do not have to pay for GPS service because it is a system owned by the United States government and funded by taxpayer dollars.
Where does the DriveSmart 66 get its map data from?
The map data is stored locally to the device itself. And yes, this does mean you have to update it (once a year is fine). The 66 can be updated with the included cable or from its built-in Wi-Fi. If you update the maps via Wi-Fi, that is the only time the 66 actually requires an internet connection to download maps.
Does the DriveSmart 66 need a smartphone connected to get traffic reports?
No, but this depends on where you are in the country. I will detail this more in a moment.
What is the size?
The physical size is 6 inches wide by 3.4 inches tall by 0.7 inches deep, however bear in mind that the power cord in the back does add a little depth because it sticks out slightly.
The screen size is 5.7 inches wide by 3.2 inches tall, resulting in a 6 inch diagonal display.
For those of you that have used a 5-inch Garmin navigator before, the 66 is actually only physically slightly larger than older 5" models. The screen is 6" in this generation because it has been stretched out to the edges. This basically means you're getting the older 5" case size but now with a 6" screen.
Does Garmin make something bigger? Yes. See the DriveSmart 76 (7" screen) and DriveSmart 86 (8" screen).
Important note if you currently own a Garmin DriveSmart 61 or DriveSmart 65: The newer model with the same size screen as those is the 76. Yes, I know, a little confusing, but 61 and 65 have a 6.95" screen, and so does the 76. However, if you like the older 5" case size, get the 66. Again, the 66 is just slightly larger physically than an older 5" case size but with larger screen.
If you drive an RV, see Garmin's RV series which has RV-specific stuff in it the DriveSmart doesn't have. See the RV 795 (7"), RV 890 (8") and the big kahuna, RV 1090 (10").
If you drive a semi truck, see Garmin Dezl Over-The-Road series that's specifically made for truck driving. The models there are OTR610 (6"), OTR710 (7"), OTR810 (8") and OTR1010 (10").
How does the traffic reporting work without a smartphone?
I'll note first you can get traffic reporting by connecting a smartphone to the 66 using the Garmin Drive app, but if you don't want to do that, how does it work?
The 66 can receive freely available traffic reporting via TMC (Traffic Message Channel) that is broadcast over FM, similar to your car radio. You do not need to sign up for anything to use this, but whether this will work for you or not depends on where you are. It is required to use the provided cable for FM traffic to work.
The traffic coverage map is at www.garmin.com/traffic. If you are in an area where coverage exists, the 66 will automatically pick up the signal. Yes, the 66 can automatically route you around traffic if you configure the 66 to do so (Settings > Traffic > Optimize Route > Automatic).
If you are "on the fringe" of a coverage area, then the FM traffic probably won't work that well for you.
The FM traffic mainly has reporting for highways, interstates and major streets.
Can the 66 be used straight out of the box?
Yes, but based on experience using past models, I never do that.
What I do first and always with any new Garmin I get is update it even before putting it in the car, and not with Wi-Fi. I purposely use the free Garmin Express software, connect the navigator to the computer and let it update everything. Even if a map update isn't required, a system software update usually is, and that was the situation with my 66.
After the first initial big update, then I'm okay with updating over Wi-Fi for updates after that. From my personal experience, that's just the best way to go about it.
Overall performance
The 66 is a model that has both GPS and Galileo satellite reception. Both work at the same time and position accuracy is excellent. I easily get position resolution to within 10 feet.
Calculating a route and recalculating a route if I miss a turn is quick, and I've not experienced any problems there.
"OK Garmin" voice recognition is the best I've ever used in any Garmin navigator and it's a definite improvement over the older models with "Voice Command". I also like the fact the microphone can be easily turned off from holding a button on top of the screen for 2 seconds (which can be enabled again by pressing it once).
Annoyances
Some menus have choppy animations. The main map is fine however.
The tollway question option was removed in this generation. In older models there was the option to set to "always ask", and whenever it calculated a route, it would ask if you wanted to avoid tolls or not. Now it's just an always-on or always-off option buried in a submenu.
There is no OK Garmin voice command to ask for a detour, or at least none that I have found. A detour now requires a minimum 3 taps just to do it.
The touchscreen is slightly too sensitive. But then again, better to be too sensitive than not sensitive enough.
Improvements over previous generation
The ridiculously infuriating on-map favorites icons CAN BE REMOVED just by disabling the map layer (Settings > Map Display > Map Layers > uncheck "Up Ahead Places"). For some, this alone is a reason to use the 66 or 76 over the 65. The previous generation had these giant ugly green favorites icons that appeared on the map whenever passing by the location where the favorite was. If you had several map favorites in close proximity to each other, this resulted in map clutter galore. This has been fixed in the 66.
"Turn off automatically" (hidden menu option from Diagnostics Page > Turn Off Automatically) should prevent the annoying problem of the unit doing that "it's off but not really off" sleep state thing, draining the battery to nothing and then causing power-on problems later. This was an issue with the previous generation where it was required to hold the power button, wait for the true "Turn off the device?" prompt, and then it was off. This appears to have been fixed in the 66.
Something I call the over-blue problem with the screen color temperature has been fixed with the 66. With the previous generation, namely the 61 and 65, the screen color temperature was "cool" all the time, as in blue. During the day, looks fine. For night driving it was terrible because it looked like you were staring into a light bulb regardless of brightness setting. The 66 has a screen color temperature for day and night driving that looks much better.
This really isn't an improvement but rather something I've very happy Garmin did not change: The mount on the 66, thankfully, still uses the 17mm ball just like many Garmins of the past. I use this Arkon mount and really did not want to switch to something else. I did not have to. The clip clicked right on. No problems at all.
Sunrise/Sunset time is now available as a trip data field. This is information transmitted by GPS itself and it's nice to see in the 66. This information is also available from the Trip Computer by tapping the speedometer field in map view.
I like the fact the audio can be output via wireless OR wired if you don't want to use the internal speaker. The wired output is not on the unit but the 12V adapter; there is an AUX port there.
The 66 supports both the older Samantha the newer Zoe voice. Both voices can be had by downloading them from Garmin Express (another reason to do the first update with the software first). I prefer Zoe because she's the least computery text-to-speech voice Garmin has ever released.
The Turns list (start a route, view map, hamburger menu at lower right of map, Turns) is without question the most legible version yet. I first used this with a DriveSmart 50 and then with a Drive 52. Great to have, and the 66's Turns is very legible.
I'm very happy Garmin still makes these
I greatly prefer using a Garmin over infotainment or the phone for navigation.
The only thing that would really turn people off is the included suction mount. For most people that's simply not good enough, or local laws might not permit mounting anything to the windshield where you live. See Arkon mounts for better suction mount options and friction mounts for no-windshield options.