Why do we need mirrors.
Why do we need mirrors.
Nov 15Why do we need to check our mirrors when driving?
There has always been a misconception as to why mirror use is so important.
“My dad said; make sure that you move your head so the examiners can you check them”.
“I check my mirrors because my instructor said that I had to”.
“If I don’t check my mirrors I will fail my driving test”.
Let’s look at the real reason you should check your mirrors.
Use of mirrors before signalling:
Before you apply as signal, it is vital that you know what is happening around you.
What if a motorbike is overtaking and you suddenly apply a signal, he could panic if he thinks you haven’t seen him resulting in a sudden change of direction. By noticing the motorbike in the mirrors, you would have the option to delay the signal and let him pass. Even better would be to notice the motorbike gaining on you with early mirror use and you could then apply the signal at an earlier stage to warn of your intentions.
Use of mirrors before changing direction:
Use of mirrors before changing direction is vital to check what is happening beside you. Think of a situation where you are slowing to turn left and a cycle comes off the pavement or when moving out to pass a parked vehicle and a vehicle is overtaking.
Use of mirrors before slowing down:
Imagine approaching a pedestrian crossing where people are stood waiting to cross, the lights could change at any time and a mirror check shows a vehicle very close behind. You could use the information gained to slow in anticipation of a light change, this will also encourage the following vehicle to slow also. Failure to gain this information could result in having to stop suddenly resulting in the following vehicle being unable to stop and possibly crashing in to the back of you.
Use of mirrors before speeding up.
Think of a situation where you have just emerged in to a new road (minor to major) and once straightened up and checked ahead, the next important issue is what is happening behind. Perhaps you may have misjudged the speed of following traffic and they are approaching faster than you thought. You have the option to accelerate up to the limit (if safe) to get a move on or in a scenario where they have already committed to an overtake, you could then choose to slow and enable them to pass safely. Without the information from the mirrors you would be unaware and as a result be involved in a possible crash.