What is the primary function of the rear-view mirror?

The primary function of the rear-view mirror is to provide a view of the traffic behind your vehicle. This is crucial for safe driving, as it allows drivers to be aware of other vehicles that may be approaching from behind or those that are following closely. Being able to see what is happening behind you helps in making informed decisions when changing lanes, merging, or backing up, thereby enhancing overall road safety.

While the rear-view mirror plays a role in ensuring visibility and monitoring passengers to some extent, its main purpose is to give drivers a clear, unobstructed view of the road behind them, which is essential for effective driving and maneuvering. Notably, the rear-view mirror does not display speed, which is the function of the vehicle’s speedometer, and it is not designed primarily for monitoring passengers, making its primary role distinctly focused on rear visibility.