How Often Should You Check Your Mirrors While Driving?

Look in your mirror every time you stop or start, pass a car, turn, merge, switch lanes, pull over. Check your rearview mirror every 5-8 seconds. Use your mirrors more often in irregular and high-traffic situations. The mirrors will help you navigate a difficult driving situation.

How often should I look at my mirrors while driving?

You simply need to glance in all three mirrors every five seconds. By doing so, you are keeping yourself aware of everything going on around you, which is the key to being a successful defensive driver. For instance, let's just say you glance in your mirrors and notice a car coming up behind up.

Do I need to check mirrors when turning?

Take a quick look in your mirrors. Also, check your mirrors when you are preparing to turn into a side road or driveway, and when you are stopping to pull into a parking space. Drive down a long or steep hill.