What is required of you when changing lanes?

When changing lanes, checking your mirrors and blind spots first is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. This practice allows you to be aware of the vehicles around you, particularly those that may be in your blind spots—areas not visible in your rearview and side mirrors. By doing so, you can avoid potential collisions and ensure that the lane you are moving into is clear of obstacles and other vehicles.

This step is vital as it confirms that no other driver is attempting to occupy the same space you intend to move into. Proper lane changing enhances safety not only for you but also for your fellow road users. It reflects responsible driving behavior and adherence to traffic regulations, which is essential for maintaining order on the roads.

In contrast, quickly changing lanes without any checks puts both you and other drivers at significant risk, while looking only directly behind you limits your awareness of your surroundings. Additionally, using your turn signal only when other cars are nearby does not fully adhere to proper signaling etiquette, as signaling should be done regardless of the proximity of other vehicles to indicate your intentions clearly to all road users.