Use your mirrors
There are three main mirrors that should be checked on a regular basis.
The main mirror, this is the interior rear view mirror. This mirror should be adjusted so that you can see the full back window while sitting comfortably in the drivers seat.
You should glance into this mirror every 10 to 15 seconds to check what is going on behind you and to be able to identify in good time any potential hazards coming up behind you.
There is a small switch on the back of this mirror that when flicked, turns you main rear view mirror into an anti-glare mirror. If the vehicle behind has their full or high beams on and the glare is blinding or dazzling you, the anti-glare mirror redirects the beam up toward the ceiling rather than into your eyes.
The wing mirrors or Door mirrors are situated on the doors of your car. They can be either electric operated mirrors or manually operated mirrors.
Both the left and the right wing mirrors should be adjusted so that you can see a small piece of your car and the road behind. These mirrors will give you advance notice of any potential hazards coming from behind on either side. They should be checked regularly and especially before changing your position on the road or when changing direction.
Note: The wing mirrors do not cover anything that may be in your Blindspot. The Blindspot must be checked before moving away from the kerb and before Changing lanes.
Checking all three mirrors:
Always check the main mirror first.
A quick check through the front windscreen at the road in front of you as you are turning your head to look in the right wing mirror.
You are checking the right wing mirror to see if there is anyone trying to overtake you there.
A quick check through the front windscreen at the road in front of you as you are turning your head to look in the left wing mirror.
You are checking the left wing mirror to see if there is anyone trying to overtake you there.
Now you have a full picture of what is going on around you and can make a proper decision on how to react to the potential hazard.
Only checking two of the mirrors:
If you need to change your direction away from your normal driving position
If you have to move to your right;
Check the main mirror first.
Then the right wing mirror to see if there is anyone trying to overtake you there.
If you have to move to your left;
Check the main mirror first.
Tnen the left wing mirror to see if there is anyone trying to overtake you there.
Always check your main mirror first as this is the most likely place that danger will come from, then you should check the wing mirror in the direction you are about to move.
Effective observation is much more than just checking your mirrors in the correct order.
Looking a good distance ahead of you at what is going on and being aware of what all other road users are doing that might affect your safe progress is also major part of it.