What must you do before changing lanes?

Before changing lanes, it is essential to check mirrors, signal, and look over your shoulder to ensure that it is safe to do so. This practice promotes awareness of your surroundings and the position of other vehicles. Checking your mirrors helps you spot vehicles in adjacent lanes, while signaling alerts other drivers to your intentions, providing them with the opportunity to adjust accordingly. Additionally, looking over your shoulder gives you a final confirmation of any blind spots that mirrors may not cover, especially smaller vehicles or bicycles that might not be visible. This comprehensive approach significantly reduces the risk of collisions and contributes to safer driving habits.