What action is required before making a lane change?

Before making a lane change, it is essential to check your mirrors and signal your intention. This action is crucial for several reasons.

First, checking your mirrors allows you to assess the traffic around you, ensuring that there are no vehicles in your blind spot or other obstacles that could interfere with your lane change. This step promotes safety by helping drivers make informed decisions and reduce the risk of collisions with other road users.

Second, signaling is a vital part of communicating your intentions to others on the road, including drivers and pedestrians. By using your turn signal, you alert other drivers of your intention to change lanes, which allows them to adjust their speed and position accordingly. This mutual awareness among drivers significantly contributes to road safety and helps prevent accidents.

Neglecting to check mirrors or failing to signal can lead to dangerous situations, as other drivers may not anticipate your lane change. Thus, the combination of checking mirrors and signaling is a fundamental practice that enhances safety and ensures smoother traffic flow.