What should you do before changing lanes?

Before changing lanes, it is crucial to check your mirrors, signal your intention, and assess the traffic around you. This sequence of actions ensures safety and effective communication with other drivers on the road.

Checking your mirrors allows you to monitor the current traffic situation, including vehicles in adjacent lanes and those behind you. Signaling informs other drivers of your intended maneuver, helping to prevent misunderstandings that could lead to accidents. Assessing traffic involves looking for gaps and determining whether it is safe to change lanes, considering the speed and position of nearby vehicles.

Taking these steps helps ensure that you can make a lane change safely without causing disruption to the flow of traffic or putting yourself or others at risk. This approach promotes defensive driving practices and is essential for maintaining road safety.