Are you obliged to observe the road in the exterior mirror in this situation before you join the traffic?
Show the correct answer
Correct answer
YES
Explanation
In the video you have stopped at the right-hand edge of the street and intend to move off; in the left exterior mirror you can see cars and then a bus approaching from behind, which pass you on the left. Before joining traffic you are obliged to watch the road in the mirror. The answer is: yes.
The Road Traffic Act states that starting to drive after parking is joining traffic (włączanie się do ruchu), and a driver joining traffic must exercise particular caution and give way to other vehicles. You cannot give way if you do not know what is coming from behind, and the left exterior mirror is the best way to see what is happening beside you without turning your head. You look in the mirror, then over your left shoulder into the blind spot, switch on your indicator and move off when the lane is clear.
Legal basis: Art. 17 para. 1 and 2 of the Road Traffic Act (Prawo o ruchu drogowym)