How can using mirrors effectively improve safety?

Using mirrors effectively significantly enhances safety by providing essential awareness of your surroundings and other vehicles. When drivers are aware of what is happening around their vehicle, they can make better decisions, react to potential hazards, and thus reduce the risk of accidents. Properly adjusted mirrors allow drivers to see areas that would otherwise be blind spots and help monitor the behavior of other road users. This awareness includes not only vehicles but also pedestrians, cyclists, and road conditions, contributing to a safer driving environment.

While the other options hint at aspects of mirror usage, they do not encompass the core safety benefit. For example, although mirrors can help in seeing vehicles behind you, this is just one part of a broader safety picture. Similarly, mirrors play a role in speed perception, but their primary purpose extends beyond that. Lastly, mirrors are functional devices rather than decorative features, underscoring their critical role in driving safety rather than aesthetics.