How Often Should You Check Your Rearview and Side Mirrors?
Driving is a complex task that requires constant attention and awareness of your surroundings. A split second of distraction can have disastrous consequences, so it’s important to maintain vigilance while behind the wheel. One of the most important things you can do to stay safe on the road is to check your mirrors regularly.
Mirrors provide you with a vital view of what’s happening behind and beside you, allowing you to spot potential hazards and react accordingly. By checking your mirrors frequently, you can increase your situational awareness, reduce blind spots, and avoid accidents.
The Importance of Checking Your Mirrors Regularly
Driving without regularly checking your mirrors is like driving with blinders on. It drastically reduces your field of vision and makes it difficult to detect potential hazards. For example, if you’re not constantly checking your rearview mirror, you may not notice a car approaching quickly from behind.
Checking your mirrors is especially important when you’re:
- Changing lanes
- Making a turn
- Backing up
- Approaching an intersection
- Driving in heavy traffic
In these situations, a quick glance in your mirrors can provide you with critical information that can help you avoid accidents.
How Often Should You Check Your Mirrors?
The exact frequency with which you should check your mirrors depends on several factors, including:
- Your speed
- The traffic conditions
- The weather conditions
- Your vehicle’s blind spots
In general, it’s a good idea to check your rearview mirror every 5-10 seconds and your side mirrors every 10-15 seconds. However, you may need to check your mirrors more frequently if you’re driving in heavy traffic or in bad weather.
Tips for Checking Your Mirrors Effectively
To get the most out of your mirrors, it’s important to check them correctly. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted. You should be able to see a clear view of the road behind and beside you without having to turn your head.
- Avoid checking your mirrors too quickly. Take a moment to scan the entire area behind and beside you.
- Don’t rely solely on your mirrors. Use your peripheral vision to supplement the information you get from your mirrors.
By following these tips, you can make sure that you’re using your mirrors effectively to stay safe on the road.
Expert Advice
“Checking your mirrors regularly is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe while driving,” says Mark Jenkins, a driving instructor with over 20 years of experience. “It’s a simple habit that can help you avoid accidents and keep you and your passengers safe.”
Jenkins recommends that drivers check their mirrors every 5-10 seconds, and more frequently when they’re changing lanes or making turns. He also advises drivers to adjust their mirrors so that they can see a clear view of the road behind and beside them without having to turn their heads.
FAQ
Q: How often should I check my mirrors?
A: Aim to check your rearview mirror every 5-10 seconds and your side mirrors every 10-15 seconds.
Q: What are some tips for checking my mirrors effectively?
A: Make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted and avoid checking them too quickly. Instead, take a moment to scan the entire area behind and beside you.
Q: Why is it important to check my mirrors regularly?
A: Checking your mirrors regularly helps you maintain situational awareness, reduce blind spots, and avoid accidents.
Conclusion
Checking your mirrors regularly is an essential part of safe driving. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can make sure that you’re using your mirrors effectively to stay safe on the road. So next time you get behind the wheel, take a moment to adjust your mirrors and make a habit of checking them frequently. It could save your life.
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How to properly adjust your side and rearview mirrors | Autodeal May 26, 2023Check your rear-view mirror to gauge the speed and distance of vehicles behind you. Next, check your side mirror and your blind spot on the side you’re merging into. Only when these are clear should you merge. Remember, when merging, your goal is to match the speed of the traffic you’re merging into, not to force them to slow down for you. 2.