How often should a driver check their mirrors while driving?

The best practice for checking mirrors while driving is every 5-10 seconds. This frequency allows drivers to maintain an awareness of their surroundings, which is crucial for safe driving. By checking mirrors consistently, a driver can monitor the positions of other vehicles, observe traffic conditions, and detect any potential hazards. This habitual scanning helps ensure that a driver is cognizant of other road users, enabling them to react promptly to any changes in their environment.

Infrequent mirror checks, such as doing so only once every minute or only during lane changes, can lead to delayed reactions to potential dangers. Drivers may miss crucial information, such as a vehicle quickly approaching from behind or a cyclist in a blind spot. Thus, the practice of checking mirrors regularly reinforces overall situational awareness and supports safer driving behavior.