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Scan all around your vehicle Most of your attention should be given to looking forward and scanning for hazards that are developing ahead of you. When you are driving in an urban area, look at least 12 to 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. This is about one to one-and-a-half blocks. When you are driving in rural areas, look at least 20 to 25 seconds ahead of your vehicle. This is your visual lead time, which provides you with time to respond to hazards ahead of you. Check behind you by glancing in your rear view mirrors every eight to 12 seconds (about every block in an urban area). Glance in your rear view mirrors when you anticipate slowing or stopping. Be aware of vehicles on both sides and in your blind spots. Do not forget to glance at your speedometer to check your speed.Text extracted from the PDF for reference and may contain layout artefacts. The official PDF is authoritative.
Open official handbook at page 91 ↗Source: Driver's Guide: cars and light trucks, Spring 2026. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Alberta.