Use of Mirrors
The use of mirrors is a vital element when learning to drive. The Use of Mirrors play an integral part of driving in general. To become a good driver- the learner needs to ensure that the use of mirrors is one of the most important actions when learning to drive- and subsequently, continuing to drive to ensure safe driving skills are developed. Having a solid understanding of the use of mirrors will help the good driving habit to develop- here is a break down of some of the key components of the use of mirrors.
What is the use of mirrors?
The use of mirrors is the action the driver must do prior to doing an action. What the driver sees in the mirror can alter the decision or course of action.
Why do we have mirrors?
We have mirrors to determine what is going on around us at all times
Do the mirrors show you everything from behind?
No. We have things called blind spots. Please read the use of blind spots article. We have various blind spots around the vehicle- in short; zones of vision the mirrors don’t see.
Where do we look when we are slowing down?
When the driver is about to slow down- they must check the rear-view mirror. It is compulsory to check the mirror in good time, to allow enough time to react to what is behind
Where do we look when we turn left?
When the driver wants to turn left- it is compulsory to check the left- wing mirror (nearside mirror) before they turn. The drive r is particularly watching out for cyclists on the left-hand side. So- prior to taking a side-road on the left, the driver must check the speed mirror (rear-view) and follow it up with the direction mirror (left mirror).
“Mirrors don’t cover the blind spot areas”
Why do we always check the rear-view mirror first, when turning left or right?
When the driver wants to turn left- the first action they shall do is slow down, and the second action the driver will do is change their direction, it is important to do the mirrors in the correct sequence.
The use of Mirrors- Sequences
There are lots of occasions whilst driving, when the driver will need to check their mirrors. It is important to note; that when looking in the mirrors it is important to have a good look. Sometimes- learners can become robotic in their checks- as it is ‘something they have to do’, to ensure mirror checks become part of a driver’s good driving habit, regular practice and thorough understanding of such consequences need to be addressed throughly. It always relays back to the “what if?”
- Rear-view mirror before slowing
- Rear-view mirror before accelerating
- Speed mirror and direction mirror prior to signalling
- Left-wing mirror prior to turning left
- Right-wing mirror prior to turning right
Use of Mirrors-driving situations
There are many driving situations where mirrors would need to be checked. The primary sequence is prior to a signal. Other driving sequences of the use of mirrors include:
- Right-wing mirror before moving out around a parked car
- Left-wing mirror before moving back towards the left after parked cars
- Rear-view before slowing down for traffic lights, junctions and roundabouts
- Rear-view and right-wing mirror to check for over-taking vehicles once the driver has just turned into a new road
- All three mirrors before pulling away from the side of the road
- Rear-view and left wing mirror when exiting a roundabout
- All three mirrors when pulling off in traffic/traffic lights
- All mirrors before over-taking moving vehicles
- General rear-view checks when driving on fast/country lanes
Other articles of interest
The Use of Clutch Control