Why should you check your blind spots?

Checking your blind spots is crucial for safe driving, especially before making maneuvers such as changing lanes. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that cannot be directly observed through your mirrors, and they can conceal other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians. By turning your head and visually confirming these areas, you ensure there are no obstacles in your path, which significantly reduces the risk of accidents. This practice promotes better awareness of your surroundings and helps you make informed decisions on the road, making it a fundamental aspect of defensive driving.

While finding lost items, enhancing vehicle performance, or avoiding distractions are relevant topics in driving safety, they do not directly relate to the primary reason for checking blind spots. Understanding this helps reinforce the importance of maintaining awareness and actively scanning your environment, particularly when changing lanes or merging into traffic.