How often should a driver check their mirrors while driving?

Checking mirrors regularly is essential for safe driving, as it allows the driver to maintain awareness of their surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards. The recommended frequency of checking mirrors is about every 10 seconds. This interval ensures that a driver remains informed about what is happening around them, particularly in relation to changing lanes, merging, or preparing to stop.

During this check, drivers can spot vehicles that may be in their blind spots and observe changes in the traffic flow, which can prevent accidents. While some may argue for shorter or longer intervals, the 10-second recommendation strikes a balance between maintaining awareness and not being overly distracted from the road ahead. This practice is particularly emphasized by drivers' education programs to encourage defensive driving.