Originally Posted by
wolfchild
I don't use mirrors. I don't trust them. I think they can be a distraction, and provide a false sense of security. I constantly turn my head and look back and listen. I would never trust a mirror when changing lanes , I just have to look back and see.
Anyone who doesn't look isn't not being safe. The mirror is an aid, nothing more. I use it to gauge traffic behind me so I have a rough idea of what I should be seeing when I actually do turn my head to look a dozen or more seconds down the line. Just like how I drive.
No mirror: Can I turn? Turn head, look, nope. Turn head, look, nope. Turn head, look, nope. Turn head, look, ok.
Mirror: Can I turn? Look, nope. Look, nope. Look, nope. Look, maybe, Turn head, look, ok.
With the mirror you can keep track of threats in front of you as well as behind. If you continuously turn your head, something stupid may jump out in front of you when you weren't looking. I like to minimize the head turns.