Which practice helps you monitor hazards by checking mirrors regularly in urban driving?

• A. Ignore mirrors and rely on GPS.
• B. Only check mirrors when leaving the car.
• C. Check mirrors regularly to monitor other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians entering or leaving blind spots.
• D. Turn off mirrors to avoid glare.

Answer: (C)

Regularly checking your mirrors keeps you aware of what’s happening around you, which is essential in urban driving where hazards can appear from many directions. Cars changing lanes, cyclists riding alongside, pedestrians stepping into crosswalks, or opening doors from parked cars can all come into view only if you stay vigilant with your mirrors. This habit helps you see approaching risks early and adjust your speed or position before you need to react suddenly. While you should also perform a quick shoulder check, relying on mirrors alone gives you a continuous, up-to-date picture of the traffic environment and helps you manage blind spots more effectively. Ignoring mirrors or turning them off removes vital information, and checking mirrors only once when leaving the car won’t keep you prepared for what happens while you’re moving or at intersections.