When changing lanes, at which times should you check your mirrors and blind spots?

When changing lanes, at which times should you check your mirrors and blind spots?

• A. Before signaling, during the maneuver, and after completing the lane change.
• B. Only before signaling.
• C. Only during the maneuver.
• D. Only after completing the lane change.

Answer: (A)

When you change lanes, you keep awareness at every moment of the move because traffic can change in an instant. Checking your mirrors and blind spots before you signal and start the lane change ensures there’s a safe gap and you won’t merge into a vehicle. As you steer into the new lane, you continue scanning to catch any vehicle that might be closing in or attempting to slip into the space you’re about to occupy. After you’ve finished the lane change, re-check to confirm you’re fully clear in the new lane and there’s no one in your blind spot or closing in from behind. This continuous verification helps prevent surprises and keeps your maneuver smooth and safe. Options that limit checks to only one time miss the safety needed before, during, or after the move.

When you change lanes, you keep awareness at every moment of the move because traffic can change in an instant. Checking your mirrors and blind spots before you signal and start the lane change ensures there’s a safe gap and you won’t merge into a vehicle. As you steer into the new lane, you continue scanning to catch any vehicle that might be closing in or attempting to slip into the space you’re about to occupy. After you’ve finished the lane change, re-check to confirm you’re fully clear in the new lane and there’s no one in your blind spot or closing in from behind. This continuous verification helps prevent surprises and keeps your maneuver smooth and safe. Options that limit checks to only one time miss the safety needed before, during, or after the move.