What is the primary way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle?

Checking mirrors is the primary way to see the sides and rear of your vehicle. Mirrors are designed specifically for this purpose, providing a broader view and better awareness of your surroundings. Properly adjusted side mirrors help minimize blind spots and allow the driver to see vehicles or obstacles that may be alongside or behind at a glance.

While rearview cameras and blind spot detectors can certainly aid in this process and enhance safety, they are supplementary to regular mirror checks. Turning your head can be useful for a quick check but is not a reliable method for maintaining full awareness of your surroundings while driving. Mirrors facilitate continuous observation without requiring the driver to take their eyes off the road ahead. Thus, relying on mirrors makes for safer driving practices by ensuring the driver can monitor all necessary areas without distraction.