How often should you check your rearview mirror while driving?

Checking your rearview mirror is essential for safe driving as it provides information about the traffic situation behind you. The recommended frequency of every 20 seconds strikes a balance, ensuring that you remain aware of any vehicles or hazards approaching from behind without being overly distracted from observing the road ahead.

By checking the rearview mirror at this interval, you can maintain situational awareness, allowing you to adjust your driving as necessary, such as when preparing to change lanes or making a turn. This frequency helps in understanding the speed and position of other vehicles, thereby contributing to better decision-making and increased safety on the road.

While options suggesting more frequent checks might seem safe, they could lead to distractions that take your focus away from the primary task of driving. Conversely, checking less frequently could result in delayed reactions to potential dangers. Therefore, the 20-second guideline is widely accepted as a practical approach to effective and safe driving.