How long should a driver ideally look in the mirror before changing lanes?

The ideal duration for a driver to look in the mirror before changing lanes is indeed less than two seconds. This brief glance is sufficient for assessing the immediate surroundings, including the presence of other vehicles that may be in the driver's blind spot or approaching quickly.

This timing allows the driver to quickly gather the necessary information without significantly delaying the lane change, promoting overall traffic flow and safety. Drivers are trained to utilize efficient scanning techniques that involve quick checks rather than prolonged staring, which can lead to inattention to other aspects of driving, such as road conditions ahead. The importance of this practice is also reflected in defensive driving strategies, which emphasize awareness and quick decision-making in dynamic driving environments.

In contrast, excessively prolonged checks, such as looking for more than two seconds, may indicate a delay that could increase the risk of accidents, especially in high-traffic conditions.