When should you check your mirrors while riding?

The most effective practice while riding a motorcycle is to check your mirrors at all times. This ongoing awareness helps to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Regular mirror checks provide crucial information about the traffic situation behind you and to your sides, allowing you to anticipate potential hazards and make informed decisions.

Being consistently aware of your surroundings, rather than only during specific situations like changing lanes or stopping, prepares you for any unexpected developments—such as a vehicle approaching quickly from behind. This level of vigilance is vital in maintaining control and responding to changes in traffic conditions.

Besides, the other options suggest a limited approach to mirror usage, which could lead to missed critical information that could affect your safety. For example, only checking mirrors before lane changes or when other vehicles are nearby may leave you vulnerable to situations developing behind or beside you when you're not actively searching for them.