Tegger wrote:
>
> Passenger-car side mirrors are /far/ too small to provide a proper all-over
> view. Heavy-truck side-view mirrows are much larger.

I disagree on the first part of this paragraph and agree with the
second portion.

> For work I frequently travel with sufficient cargo as to be unable to see
> out the rear window of my Integra. My right-side mirror is -- trust me on
> this -- wholly inadequate for anything close to complete comprehension of
> the surrounding traffic.

If you adjust your right side mirror properly, you will see that you
are able to see properly.

> I find myself changing lanes on the highway a bit the way a transport
> driver does: Signal first, then wait a bit so I'm pretty sure everybody
> sees it. As the signal flashes, I bob and weave about in my seat, studying
> in detail the view out my tiny right-side mirror. Nobody apparently there?
> Signal still on, I /slowly/ begin my lane change, waiting for a horn honk.
> No horn honk? Then it's probably safe. I continue moving over. I've been
> pretty careful over the last 18 years; only one horn-honk.

What you have described here is the proper (and legal) way to initiate
and safely complete a lane change. Congratulations, you are one a very
few drivers on the road that know how to do that one maneuver.