When should you check your mirrors while driving?

Checking your mirrors before and during any lane changes or turns is crucial for maintaining awareness of your surroundings and ensuring your safety on the road. Mirrors provide essential visibility of vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles that may not be directly in front of you.

By checking your mirrors before making a lane change, you assess whether it's safe to proceed, allowing you to make informed decisions. Continuing to monitor your mirrors during the maneuver helps you stay aware of any changes in your environment, such as a vehicle suddenly closing in from behind or a pedestrian unexpectedly stepping into your path. This consistent vigilance ensures that you can react promptly to any potential hazards, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing overall defensive driving techniques.

Other approaches, such as only checking mirrors when changing lanes or solely at the beginning of a trip, fail to promote comprehensive awareness while driving, which is essential for safe navigation on the road. Therefore, making it a habit to check your mirrors frequently, especially before and during critical maneuvers, fosters a safer driving experience.