LogFAQs > #972302650

Paratroopa1 posted...

Right, I evaluate the necessity of checking the rear view mirror based on whether or not there are intersections or turns that I'm passing. I mean I get people saying '3 seconds is a lot longer than you think' but to that I say, a lot less happens on the road than you think. If I know there are no cars behind me and I haven't passed any places where a car could now be behind me, there is no need to keep flicking my eyes up to the rear view mirror, especially since if there is any car movement behind me I will notice in my peripheral vision. It's far better to keep my eyes focused on the road in front of me because that's where potential unforeseen dangers could be. A pedestrian suddenly crossing the road in front of me is a huge danger; a pedestrian suddenly crossing the road behind me isn't my problem. The only real danger that can come from behind you is a car that might ram into you if you brake too quickly or that might be preparing to pass you and if you aren't a hard braker those threats aren't particularly omnipresent.

To clarify, this isn't a "I'm too lazy to be safe on the road" thing - I think being overly preoccupied with the rear view mirror *makes* you less safe. Focus your attention in front of you and develop a peripheral awareness for the possibility of cars in your blind spot by evaluating places they could be coming from ahead of time; that's the best way to be safe, imo. Being overly preoccupied with checking the mirrors is a distraction.