Originally Posted by
gregf83
When I see anything in the distance that might block my riding I look behind me. I'll do that for a car in the shoulder or at an intersection if I see someone pulling up to the stop sign. If it's clear I'll move over into the lane for better visibility. If you keep your vision up you won't be surprised very often by obstacles in front of you.
Yes, of course! Best practice is to know about all the obstacles I passed yesterday before they become visible today; to see all the new ones as soon as they become visible, to see all the potential ones before they happen, and so on. Those of us who've been commuting by bike for 35+ years without incident have made this second nature. In order to do this, I use all the tools available to me; including a mirror.
Originally Posted by
Slaninar
I don't trust the mirror with that. If there's not enough time to do a check by turning my head, I don't trust just the mirror....
No, neither do I. It's just part of my equipment, and I use it, fully aware of the itslimitations. It is an easy source of information, albeit incomplete information that I may misinterpret. The mirror is never an excuse for doing something stupid, such as becoming complacent.