Use of mirrors is pretty widespread these days, but a bike is one place where it's warranted. Check the rear-vision mirrors briefly every 2 to 5 seconds. Avoid at all costs a prolonged study of life through your mobile looking-glass. You need to be looking ahead.

Use mirrors to check on following or overtaking vehicles: the right mirror to view overtaking vehicles and the left for following ones.

Know your blind spots
And stay alive. These are:

• The area directly and close behind you. Other motorcycles following in this position are especially hard to spot.
• Both the three-quarter rear zones. Checking these requires you to turn your head.