Alberta Class 7 License Practice Test

When driving in urban areas, how often should you check your rearview mirrors?

1. Every 5 seconds

2. Every 8-12 seconds

3. Only at intersections

4. Every minute

The correct answer is: Every 8-12 seconds

The correct answer is based on the need for consistent situational awareness while driving in urban areas. Checking your rearview mirrors every 8 to 12 seconds allows you to stay informed about the traffic conditions behind you, which is crucial in environments with frequent stops, pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles. This regular check helps you anticipate actions from other road users, ensuring that you are prepared to react appropriately and safely. Regularly monitoring your rearview mirror within this timeframe strikes a balance between maintaining focus on the road ahead while also being aware of your surroundings. This practice is essential for safe merging, lane changes, and maintaining a safe following distance. In contrast, looking in the rearview mirror every 5 seconds could lead to distraction from your primary focus on the road, while checking only at intersections may result in a lack of awareness of approaching vehicles or hazards. Additionally, waiting a full minute without checking may leave you unaware of what is happening behind you, increasing the risk of an accident.