What is the correct way to use mirrors while riding?

Using mirrors while riding is crucial for maintaining situational awareness and ensuring safety on the road. The correct approach is to actively scan mirrors for vehicles regularly. This practice involves checking your mirrors frequently to monitor the surrounding traffic environment, which includes being aware of vehicles that may be approaching from behind or in adjacent lanes.

By routinely scanning your mirrors, you can better anticipate potential hazards, such as a vehicle trying to overtake you or an unexpected obstacle. This proactive strategy allows you to make informed decisions about your riding position and movements, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

In contrast, only checking mirrors before changes can lead to missing critical updates in your environment. Disregarding mirrors altogether, especially in the absence of visible traffic, increases vulnerability as situations can change rapidly. Lastly, waiting to hear a vehicle before checking increases reaction time during critical moments, which could be too late to respond adequately. Regularly scanning mirrors is essential for a more comprehensive understanding of what's happening around you and for promoting safer riding habits.