But mirrors mounted across the road aren’t always practical. They require permission from neighbors or local authorities, and sometimes there’s simply nowhere suitable to mount one.
That’s where the driveway periscope comes in.
How the Driveway Periscope Works
The concept is surprisingly simple.
Inside the wooden tower are two angled mirrors, positioned in a way that mimics the design of a traditional submarine periscope.
Here’s how it functions step by step:
Top Mirror
At the very top of the tower is a mirror angled toward the road. It captures the view of oncoming traffic from a higher vantage point—above hedges, fences, or other obstacles.
Downward Reflection
That mirror reflects the road view downward inside the tower.
Second Mirror
Near the bottom of the tower sits a second angled mirror. It catches the reflected image and redirects it toward the viewing window.
Viewing Panel
The driver, sitting in their car at the end of the driveway, simply looks through the glass panel at the base. The mirrors display a clear reflection of the road, allowing them to see if cars are approaching.
