Driver behavior in obtaining information through rearview mirrors and head turns was analyzed for novice, young experienced, and mature drivers during daytime driving on a freeway route. No significantly different mirror sampling patters were obtained when the horizontal fields of view of the plane left side and inside mirrors were expanded by approximately 25%. Some difference in behavior did occur between the mature and the other drivers, especially in mirror use when driving straight ahead. The total time to obtain information for left merges was significantly larger than for left and right lane changes and a right merge. Finally, the time required to obtain information to make a decision for a left or right lane change without execution was considerably less than the time needed when the maneuver was actually executed.
