Why is it important to check your blind spots while driving?

Checking your blind spots while driving is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that are not visible through your mirrors. By checking these areas, you ensure that there are no vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians lurking just out of sight before changing lanes or merging. This practice significantly reduces the risk of accidents, as many collisions occur when drivers fail to see what is in their blind spots.

While avoiding getting lost, maintaining fuel efficiency, and reducing distractions inside the car are important aspects of driving, they do not directly relate to the immediate safety concerns that blind spot checks address. Safe driving is largely about being aware of your surroundings and preventing potential hazards, which makes the practice of looking over your shoulder or adjusting your mirrors critical.