How can a driver enhance their hazard awareness when navigating through intersections?

Enhancing hazard awareness when navigating through intersections is crucial for safe driving. The most effective method involves actively monitoring the surroundings, specifically by watching for hazards and searching both left and right. This practice allows drivers to identify potential risks, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles that may not be immediately in their path but could affect their safety.

Intersections are particularly complex environments where multiple traffic flows interact, and hazards can emerge suddenly from various directions. By consistently checking left and right, drivers maintain a comprehensive view of the intersection, which empowers them to make informed decisions and react swiftly to any unexpected situations.

The other options suggest behaviors that could compromise safety. Increasing speed and minimizing distractions could prevent a driver from noticing vital cues. Checking only the rearview mirror would limit a driver's field of vision to just what is behind them, missing critical information about what lies ahead or to the sides. Ignoring surroundings, especially during busy rush hours, would increase the likelihood of missing hazards altogether. Therefore, a proactive approach that includes thorough scanning of the environment is essential for safe navigation through intersections.