Why is it important to check your mirrors frequently while driving?

Checking your mirrors frequently while driving is essential for maintaining spatial awareness of your surroundings. By regularly observing what's behind and beside you, you can identify other vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, and any potential obstacles or hazards. This heightened awareness enables you to make informed driving decisions, such as when to change lanes, slow down, or react to sudden changes in traffic conditions. For instance, being aware of a vehicle approaching from behind may assist you in executing a safe lane change. Overall, mirror checks are a critical component of defensive driving, which helps prevent accidents and ensure road safety.

In contrast, ensuring your radio is working, monitoring your speed, or preparing for an upcoming exit, while important in their own right, do not directly relate to the immediate situational awareness and safety benefits that come from frequent mirror checks.