What are the three places to look to see what is critical while driving?

The correct answer emphasizes the three important areas drivers should focus on to ensure safety and awareness while on the road. By looking ahead, you maintain awareness of the road conditions, potential obstacles, and any traffic signals or signs that may be relevant to your driving situation. Observing the sides is crucial for detecting pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles that may be in adjacent lanes, which helps in making informed lane changes and turns. Lastly, checking behind you is essential for understanding traffic dynamics when merging, changing lanes, or preparing to stop. This holistic approach to scanning your environment encourages safer driving and helps to prevent accidents.

The other options, while they include relevant concepts, do not encompass the comprehensive viewpoints necessary for effective driving awareness. For example, simply looking in front, behind, and to the left may miss critical aspects on the right side or road signs. Focusing only on mirrors does not adequately account for unexpected situations. Finally, looking only at traffic, signs, and downward may lead to a very narrow perspective that overlooks vehicles or pedestrians in peripheral vision.