How often should you check your rearview mirror while driving?

The recommendation to check your rearview mirror every six to eight seconds is rooted in the principles of safe driving and situational awareness. This interval allows drivers to stay aware of the traffic around them, including vehicles approaching from behind, which is crucial for making informed decisions about speed changes, lane changes, and potential hazards.

Monitoring your rearview mirror regularly enables you to gauge how close other vehicles are, recognize any potential threats, and assess the overall traffic flow. This practice contributes to safer driving by helping you anticipate and react to changes in your driving environment more effectively.

On the other hand, checking the rearview mirror every three seconds may lead to distractions or an overly mechanical approach that could detract from overall road awareness. Conversely, checking it only when changing lanes risks missing critical information about vehicles behind you at other times, which could lead to unsafe situations. Checking it every ten seconds could also result in delayed responses to changes in traffic conditions that require immediate attention.