Before changing lanes in traffic, what must a driver do?

A driver must signal and check blind spots before changing lanes to ensure both their safety and the safety of others on the road. Signaling alerts other drivers of your intention to change lanes, allowing them to adjust their speed or position accordingly. Checking blind spots is crucial because vehicles in those areas may not be visible in your mirrors, and proceeding without this check could result in a collision with another vehicle. This procedure is fundamental to safe driving practices as it helps prevent accidents by ensuring the driver is aware of their surroundings before making a maneuver.

Speeding up to merge quickly can lead to risky situations, especially if there isn’t enough space or time to safely enter another lane. Relying solely on rearview mirrors overlooks the significant blind spots that can hide vehicles from view, which creates a dangerous situation. Signaling only if other traffic is present can lead to misunderstandings on the road, as it’s essential to communicate lane changes to all drivers, regardless of whether they are in proximity at the moment. Thus, the requirement to signal and check blind spots is a key rule for ensuring driver awareness and road safety.