What does poor observation during driving indicate?

Poor observation during driving indicates a failure to look in all directions for conflicting traffic. This lack of thorough scanning can lead to critical safety oversights, such as not recognizing vehicles or pedestrians that could pose a danger. An effective driver needs to constantly check various areas, including intersections, side streets, and pedestrian crossings, to ensure that they are aware of their surroundings.

While looking in one direction or relying solely on mirrors can contribute to poor observation, the essence of poor observation is the overall lack of vigilance and awareness of the entire driving environment. Regularly checking blind spots is actually a good practice and a sign of proper observation, making it clear that attention must be distributed across all directions rather than focused narrowly.