When should a rider utilize their rearview mirrors?

Utilizing rearview mirrors frequently while riding is essential for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safety on the road. By regularly checking the mirrors, a rider can keep track of vehicles in their vicinity, assess the distance of other drivers, and anticipate potential hazards, such as a vehicle approaching from behind or cars merging into their lane. This ongoing awareness can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, as it enables the rider to react promptly to changing traffic conditions.

Avoiding the use of mirrors limits a rider’s awareness of their surroundings, which can lead to dangerous situations. The idea that mirrors are only necessary before changing lanes or during long rides diminishes their importance in everyday riding situations. Furthermore, the belief that mirrors are not needed at all overlooks their role in promoting safer riding practices by enhancing a rider's overall visibility of the traffic environment.