What should you do when changing lanes?

When changing lanes, it is essential to use your turn signal, check your mirrors, and look over your shoulder. This comprehensive approach ensures that you are fully aware of your surroundings and that you signal your intentions to other drivers.

Using your turn signal alerts other motorists of your intention to change lanes, which is critical for maintaining safety on the road. Checking your mirrors allows you to see vehicles approaching from behind or already in adjacent lanes, helping you assess whether it is safe to move over. Additionally, looking over your shoulder, also known as performing a blind spot check, enables you to detect vehicles that may not be visible in your mirrors. This step is crucial because some vehicles, particularly motorcycles, can be difficult to see and may be in your blind spot at the moment you wish to change lanes.

Taking all three steps—signaling, checking mirrors, and looking over your shoulder—creates a safer driving environment by reducing the risk of collisions and ensuring that lane changes are executed smoothly and with caution.