Before changing lanes, what should you always do?

Before changing lanes, it is crucial to check your mirrors and blind spots to ensure a safe maneuver. This practice helps you become aware of any vehicles that may not be visible in your mirrors, particularly in the blind spots—areas to the sides of your vehicle that are not covered by your rearview or side mirrors. By doing so, you minimize the risk of collisions with other vehicles or objects that might be in your path.

The importance of this action lies in its role in defensive driving. Being aware of all aspects around your vehicle allows you to make informed decisions and enhances overall road safety. Additionally, this check should be routine; it ensures that you are aware of traffic conditions and can respond appropriately before making the lane change.

Other options, like speeding up to merge quickly, only signaling if there's a vehicle behind you, or relying solely on your rearview mirror, do not ensure comprehensive awareness of your surroundings and may increase the likelihood of an accident during lane changes. Hence, consistent checks of mirrors and blind spots are essential for safe driving practices.