Why is it important to check mirrors while driving at highway speeds?

Checking mirrors while driving at highway speeds is crucial for maintaining a safety cushion around your vehicle. At higher speeds, the distances between vehicles increase, and the ability to react quickly to changing traffic conditions becomes essential. By frequently checking your mirrors, you can assess the position of vehicles around you, including those in adjacent lanes and behind you. This awareness allows you to adjust your speed or position on the highway accordingly, ensuring that you have adequate space to maneuver safely if necessary.

Maintaining a safety cushion not only helps in avoiding collisions but also enhances your ability to respond to sudden obstacles or changes in traffic flow. Being aware of your surroundings through mirror checks is an integral part of defensive driving, especially in high-speed environments where the consequences of a mistake can be much greater.