What is the first step in a safe lane change?

What is the first step in a safe lane change?

• A. Signal.
• B. Check mirrors.
• C. Look over your shoulder for blind spots.
• D. Brake and slow down.

Answer: (B)

Before changing lanes, establishing awareness of what’s around you by checking your mirrors is the first step. Mirrors give you a view of vehicles behind and in the adjacent lanes, helping you judge whether there’s a safe gap to move into and how fast others are traveling. Only after you’ve surveyed traffic should you signal to communicate your intent, then perform a shoulder check to verify that the blind spots aren’t occupied. If you don’t see a safe gap, you pause or adjust your speed rather than moving. Braking or slowing down isn’t the initial step because it doesn’t tell you about the space available in the target lane.

Before changing lanes, establishing awareness of what’s around you by checking your mirrors is the first step. Mirrors give you a view of vehicles behind and in the adjacent lanes, helping you judge whether there’s a safe gap to move into and how fast others are traveling. Only after you’ve surveyed traffic should you signal to communicate your intent, then perform a shoulder check to verify that the blind spots aren’t occupied. If you don’t see a safe gap, you pause or adjust your speed rather than moving. Braking or slowing down isn’t the initial step because it doesn’t tell you about the space available in the target lane.