Before changing lanes, which action should you take first?

Before changing lanes, which action should you take first?

• A. Signal.
• B. Look in all mirrors.
• C. Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to make sure the lane is clear.
• D. Be sure there is enough room in the next lane.

Answer: (C)

Looking over your shoulder toward the lane you want to enter is the first thing to do because it directly checks the area your mirrors can miss—the blind spot. This quick head turn confirms that there isn’t a vehicle in that lane who won’t be seen otherwise. Once you’ve verified the lane is clear with that shoulder check, you can signal your intent, recheck your mirrors, and only proceed if there’s enough room in the next lane.

Looking over your shoulder toward the lane you want to enter is the first thing to do because it directly checks the area your mirrors can miss—the blind spot. This quick head turn confirms that there isn’t a vehicle in that lane who won’t be seen otherwise. Once you’ve verified the lane is clear with that shoulder check, you can signal your intent, recheck your mirrors, and only proceed if there’s enough room in the next lane.