How often should you check your rearview mirror while driving?

Checking your rearview mirror every 10 seconds is crucial for maintaining situational awareness while driving. This frequent checking allows you to monitor the traffic behind you, anticipate potential hazards, and make informed decisions about lane changes or merging. It helps ensure that you are aware of the behavior of other drivers, which can be particularly important in busy traffic situations or when approaching intersections.

Frequent glances in the rearview mirror contribute to overall safety by allowing you to spot any sudden changes in the traffic around you. This practice is especially vital for defensive driving, where being aware of your surroundings helps you react proactively rather than reactively to situations that may arise.

While longer intervals can result in missed information about the traffic dynamics behind you, the 10-second guideline strikes a good balance between maintaining a clear focus on the road ahead while being aware of what is happening behind. This consistent habit becomes part of a driver’s routine, enhancing their overall driving skills and safety.