Is it commonly discouraged to use your side mirrors while driving?

Vince M

Your instructor is dead wrong. The side mirrors are just one of the tools that give a driver the situational awareness needed to drive safely. These mirrors are not just for changing lanes or parking. By keeping your head "on a spindle" and constantly checking the areas ALL around the vehicle, the driver can be better prepared to make the correct decisions when an abrupt action must be taken.

The side mirrors are part of the ongoing pattern of observations being made by a safe, defensive driver: Straight ahead, rearview mirror, straight ahead, left sideview, straight ahead, speedometer, straight ahead, right side view, straight ahead, rearview, straight ahead, one or two of the other guages in the dash, straight ahead, and so on.

If you think this is too much to do, then ask yourself, what else do you have to do in the car that is MORE important?

kenbgray

You use all your mirrors, thats what they are there for. Try driving a long distance without side view mirrors and you will see what I mean. Your instructor is dead wrong.

djf_03

i agree. your driving instructor is a moron. you can't see cyclists using your rear view mirror.

He's nuts, use your side mirrors.

cole

yep side mirrors it is.

boohoo_Jebus

I use all three, and turn around and look too ! The mirrors are there for a reason.

b123153h

You use the side mirrors before making a lane change on either side but you always look back by turning your head first then look in the mirror before you change lanes, you never trust just the mirrors, the mirrors will not let you see the blind spot so you can miss someone coming. For instance if a bicyclist was in the left lane he could be out of sight of your mirror but when you turn your head you can see him, same with making a right turn look with your head first turn to the Right Look and then check your mirror as well, if a small child was on a bike you may not see him when you turn your head to the right to look but as you turn to look forward you look to see if anything is in the mirror that your head sweep could not see. you also use the turning of your head when pulling out of a parking area into moving Traffic but you should check your mirror just before you pull out of the parking spot and move forward. most LIKELY THE PERSON WAS TELLING YOU NOT TO JUST TRUST THE MIRROR'S, ALWAYS TURN YOUR HEAD AND LOOK THEN USE THE MIRRORS AS A SECOND CHECK, IF HE BELIEVES OTHERWISE HE'S ON CRACK... sorry for the cap locks.

Paul

The instructor was trying to train you to look over your shoulder when changing lanes. Too many people get into the habit of depending on side mirrors for lane changes.

Telling you to "always avoid using the side mirrors" is wrong.

kaneswifey

The side mirrors are there for a driving purpose. Who is this driving instructor? You need these to see cars that are coming up, as well as head check. You do have a blind spot and sometimes you can't see a car in your rear view or with head check but you are able to view it with the side mirrors. My advice...use them.

Driving Instructor (BRAKE!)

I agree with some of the responses...your driving instructor was poorly trained and is giving bad advice. You're supposed to be checking your inside rear view mirror every 5 -8 secs. while driving.
This assists you in being aware of cars moving / changing lanes to the rear.
When preparing to change lanes, use the S.M.O.G. process:
Signal (usually 5 secs. in advance - too often ignored!)
Mirrors - Quick check (1/2 sec.) of inside and side mirror in the direction you are moving / merging
Over the Shoulder - Quick check (a glance) over the shoulder in the direction you are moving / merging
Go - Move!

UCANTCME

You need to always check all mirrors while driving and your instructor needs to relearn the rules of the road.

Jackie

I think the side mirrors can deceive. You can't see your blind spot. I use mostly all my mirrors but i know when my sister started driving many years ago her car didnt have a side mirror on one side and the driving and inspection said she didn't need one.

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