How often should you check your mirrors while driving?

Checking your mirrors every 10–15 seconds is essential for maintaining situational awareness while driving. This practice helps you stay informed about surrounding vehicles, potential hazards, and changes in traffic conditions. By monitoring mirrors regularly, you can anticipate actions from other drivers and adjust your own driving accordingly, enhancing your safety and that of others on the road.

Options that suggest checking mirrors less frequently, such as only when changing lanes or at stop signs, do not provide adequate awareness of your driving environment. These approaches can lead to missed information about nearby vehicles or pedestrians, which can increase the risk of accidents. Regular mirror checks contribute to a more defensive driving style, allowing for timely reactions to any traffic situation.