Checking behind — New Mexico Permit Test

Check traffic behind you more often when traffic is heavy.

In thick traffic, cars close in on you faster, so you need to know who is back there.

You need to check more often when traffic is heavy.

It is very important to look for vehicles behind you when you change lanes, slow down, back up or drive down a long or steep hill.

These are the moments when a car behind you is most likely to run into you.

It is very important to look for vehicles behind you when you change lanes, slow down, back up or are driving down a long or steep hill.

You must check behind your vehicle whenever you slow down, especially at places a following driver would not expect it, such as private driveways or parking spaces.

A driver behind you does not expect you to slow at a driveway and may not be ready to brake.

This is very important when you slow down quickly or at points where a following driver would not expect you to slow down, such as private driveways or parking spaces.

Check your mirrors when going down hills or mountains; vehicles often build up speed on a steep grade, so watch for trucks and buses going too fast.

Heavy vehicles gain speed fast going downhill and may come up behind you quicker than you think.

Be alert for large trucks and buses that may be going too fast.

When do you need to check traffic behind you more often?

When traffic is heavy. In thick traffic, cars close in on you faster, so you need to know who is back there. New Mexico Driver Manual, p.16: “You need to check more often when traffic is heavy.”