Why car rear view mirrors carry warning message objects ion the rear view mirror are closer than they appear?

Car rearview mirrors carry the warning "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" to alert drivers that the reflection may distort distances. This is due to the use of a convex mirror, which provides a wider field of view but can make objects seem farther away than they actually are. This warning is crucial for safety, helping drivers accurately judge the proximity of vehicles or obstacles behind them to prevent accidents.