Adjust your rearview and side mirrors:
Before you start driving.
Whenever you need to use them.
Before you get into the car.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Correct Answer:
Before you start driving.
Explanation:
Adjusting your rearview and side mirrors before you start driving is an essential step for safe vehicle operation. Mirrors are critical for providing visibility of your surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards. Here’s why it’s important to adjust them before you start driving:
1. Preventing Blind Spots:
Properly adjusted mirrors reduce the size of blind spots, helping you monitor areas not directly visible through your windshield or side windows. The rearview mirror should give you a clear view of the entire back window, while the side mirrors should slightly overlap with what you see in the rearview mirror and show a portion of the lanes beside you.
2. Ensuring a Comfortable Driving Position:
Adjusting mirrors after you’ve started driving is risky and may compromise your attention to the road. It’s best to set your mirrors while stationary and seated in your typical driving posture, ensuring they align with your natural line of sight.
3. Avoiding Distractions:
Trying to adjust mirrors while driving can lead to distractions, increasing the risk of accidents. Taking a few moments before driving allows you to focus entirely on the road once you’re in motion.
4. Addressing Passenger or Cargo Changes:
If passengers or cargo obscure your rearview visibility, you can address this before driving. For example, if your view is blocked, you might rely more on your side mirrors or adjust them further.
5. Legal and Safety Requirements:
Many driving regulations emphasize mirror adjustments as part of a pre-driving safety check. It’s also good practice to check other elements, such as seat position, steering wheel height, and vehicle settings, before you start driving.
Properly adjusted mirrors provide confidence and awareness on the road, enabling safer decision-making in various driving conditions.