Why is it important to use mirrors when stopping at an intersection?

Using mirrors while stopping at an intersection is crucial for ensuring safety and awareness of your surroundings. When you check your mirrors, you can see the drivers behind you and ensure they are aware that you are slowing down or coming to a stop. This helps prevent rear-end collisions, which are particularly dangerous for motorcycle riders due to their exposed position and the potential for loss of control.

By making sure that the vehicles behind you have ample time to react to your change in speed, you significantly reduce the risk of being hit from behind. In a situation where a driver is inattentive or distracted, they might not notice your brake lights immediately. Your proactive mirror check can help you identify any potential hazards and adjust your position or signaling accordingly.

While checking if you are in the correct lane, adjusting your speed, or locating pedestrians are also important aspects of safe motorcycle operation, the primary focus when approaching an intersection is to communicate effectively with vehicles around you, especially those behind you, to maintain a safe riding environment.