How often should you check your mirrors while driving?

Checking your mirrors every 5-10 seconds strikes a balance between maintaining awareness of your surroundings and staying focused on the road ahead. This frequency allows drivers to monitor the positions of vehicles around them, which is crucial for safe driving. Regular mirror checks help to ensure that you are aware of any potential hazards, such as vehicles approaching from behind or other motorists who may be in your blind spots.

In contrast, checking mirrors too frequently, such as every 1-2 seconds, could detract from your focus on the road and the current traffic conditions, leading to a riskier driving environment. Limited checks, such as only while changing lanes or accelerating, fail to provide a continuous awareness of surrounding traffic, which is essential for making informed decisions behind the wheel. Therefore, the optimal frequency of 5-10 seconds helps ensure safety without overtaxing your attention.