What is an essential driving skill to maintain safety?

Maintaining safety while driving requires constant awareness of your surroundings, and regular mirror checks are a critical component of this. By frequently checking mirrors, drivers ensure they are aware of vehicles in adjacent lanes, behind them, and any potential hazards that may not be visible directly in front of them. This practice helps in making informed decisions about lane changes, turns, and stopping distances, ultimately reducing the risk of collisions.

Driving without mirrors, inconsistent speed, and focusing only on what is directly ahead can lead to situational awareness lapses, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Regularly scanning mirrors helps drivers maintain a comprehensive view of their environment, enabling them to react appropriately to other road users and obstacles. This skill is vital for safe driving and contributes to effective defensive driving strategies.