When should you check your mirrors while driving?

Checking your mirrors regularly and especially before changing lanes or turning is crucial for safe driving. This practice allows you to stay aware of your surroundings and the traffic conditions around you. By checking your mirrors, you can identify vehicles that may be in your blind spots or approaching from behind, thereby helping you make informed decisions.

Regular mirror checks are particularly important in dynamic situations like changing lanes or preparing to turn, where awareness of nearby vehicles is essential to avoid collisions. Being vigilant about mirror checks reinforces spatial awareness, enabling you to ascertain whether it is safe to execute maneuvers on the road.

Other options, such as checking mirrors only when parking, on highways, or every time you accelerate, do not promote consistent situational awareness and can lead to dangerous driving situations as they limit crucial assessments to infrequent intervals. Regular mirror checks empower drivers with the information needed to make timely and safe driving decisions.