What should you do before changing lanes?

Before changing lanes, it is essential to check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure that the lane you wish to enter is clear of vehicles and obstacles. This practice promotes safety by allowing you to be aware of your surroundings, including any vehicles that may not be visible in your mirrors. By checking mirrors, you can see what is directly behind and to the sides of your vehicle, while looking into your blind spots provides a complete view to ensure that no other vehicle is beside you that you might not see otherwise.

Additionally, signaling your intention to change lanes is also important, but it should be done after confirming that the lane is clear. This helps inform other drivers of your movements, further enhancing safety on the road. Relying on only one direction to look can leave gaps in awareness, making it dangerous to change lanes, especially in high-traffic situations. Rapidly switching lanes to avoid traffic can lead to accidents; thus, it is crucial to make lane changes thoughtfully and safely.