How often should a commercial driver check their mirrors while driving?

Answer: A — Every 10-15 seconds

Checking mirrors every 10 to 15 seconds is crucial for maintaining awareness of the surrounding environment while driving a commercial vehicle. This frequent check helps the driver monitor the positions of other vehicles, identify potential hazards, and ensure safe lane changes and merges. This practice enhances overall safety on the road by allowing the driver to react promptly to changes in traffic conditions or obstacles. It is important to be vigilant, as unlike passenger vehicles, larger commercial vehicles have significant blind spots that can obscure visibility of smaller vehicles. Therefore, a consistent check of mirrors fosters better situational awareness, ensuring the driver remains informed about their surroundings throughout the journey.