When changing lanes, you should:
Answers
Rely on your mirrors.
Begin signaling as you move into the next lane.
Signal at least 500 feet before your lane change when driving on residential streets.
Always check your blind spot.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Always check your blind spot.
Explanation:
When changing lanes, it is crucial to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. While relying on mirrors is important for assessing the surrounding traffic, mirrors alone do not provide a complete view of your vehicle’s blind spots. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that are not visible in your mirrors, typically located behind and to the sides of your car. Failing to check these blind spots can lead to dangerous collisions with vehicles that may be in these areas without your awareness.
To safely change lanes, start by using your mirrors to observe the traffic around you and to gauge the distance and speed of vehicles nearby. This helps you identify whether there is sufficient space in the next lane. However, even after checking the mirrors, you must turn your head briefly to look over your shoulder and check your blind spot. This ensures you’re fully aware of all vehicles present, including those that might be hidden from view in your mirrors.
The practice of checking your blind spot should become a routine part of the lane-change process, as it helps prevent accidents caused by merging into a lane occupied by another vehicle. Even if you signal and have checked your mirrors, if you do not check the blind spot, you risk colliding with a car that was in the lane but not visible to you in your mirrors.
Other options, such as signaling at least 500 feet before changing lanes when driving on residential streets, are good practices but are not universally correct or as vital as checking your blind spot. Signaling early helps notify others of your intention, but it does not compensate for not checking your blind spot. To sum up, always checking your blind spot before changing lanes is a vital step to ensure the maneuver is completed safely.