What is the best practice for checking blind spots while driving?

The best practice for checking blind spots while driving involves turning your head to look over your shoulder. This technique allows drivers to gain a full view of the areas that are not visible through mirrors, particularly when changing lanes or merging. While mirrors provide useful information, they do not cover all angles, leading to potential hazards if a driver relies solely on them. By physically turning your head, you can detect vehicles or obstacles that may be in the blind spot, ensuring a safer driving experience.

Using only the rearview mirror, relying on side mirrors, or depending on backup cameras do not substitute for the visibility offered by head movements. Each of these alternatives has limitations; for instance, rearview and side mirrors may not capture objects in specific spots directly adjacent to the vehicle. Backup cameras are typically designed for reversing and may not effectively identify vehicles or obstacles when driving forward. Therefore, head checks are crucial for comprehensive situational awareness on the road.