KW-- writes: "Side views should be adjusted so that you can see just a
bit of the van reflected as a visual reference point."
>>>>>>>>

Typically not, unless you have two convex mirrors. 

By adjusting your sideview mirrors to reflect a tiny portion of side of
your van, you are basically looking rearward, leaving a 15�-20� gap
between your true peripheral vision of what is adjacent/aligned with
your vehicle, and what is hiding with its front bumper aligned with the
front edge of your sliding door. 

Again, in a parking lot, have a person walk around in that blind spot
and you will be surprised a how HUGE it is unless you adjust your mirror
outboard. Once you get used to seeing that blindspot clearly in your
side mirrors, you'll never go back to the "three views to the rear, no
views to the side" setting. 

Developing business and guiding change since 1996,

G. Matthew Bulley 
Bulley-Hewlett
Corporate Communications 
Business: www.bulley-hewlett.com         
Alliance: www.ntara.com 
Phone: +1.919.658.1278