What does the term 'head checks' refer to in driving?

The term 'head checks' refers to the practice of checking blind spots by looking over the shoulder. This action is crucial for safe lane changes, merges, and turns, as it allows a driver to visually confirm that the area around the vehicle is clear of other road users, especially those not visible in the mirrors.

Executing a head check is an important part of defensive driving; it helps prevent collisions by ensuring that a driver is fully aware of their surroundings. Many accidents occur because drivers neglect to look for vehicles or cyclists that may be in their blind spots. Therefore, incorporating head checks into driving practices significantly enhances road safety and situational awareness.

In contrast, adjusting mirrors ensures that a driver has the best view possible of their surroundings but does not inherently check blind spots. Monitoring speed is unrelated to checking for other vehicles or obstacles, and signaling to other drivers pertains to communication rather than visual checking of areas around the vehicle. Thus, head checks serve a specific and vital purpose in driving safety.