Which steps help you avoid blind spots when changing lanes?

• A. Check mirrors, glance over your shoulder to cover blind spots, signal early, and ensure the lane is clear.
• B. Rely solely on your rearview mirror.
• C. Turn quickly without signaling.
• D. Switch lanes without looking.

Answer: (A)

To avoid blind spots when changing lanes, you must actively scan the area around your vehicle and clearly communicate your intention to others. Mirrors alone don’t show everything; a quick glance over your shoulder to cover the blind spots gives you a true view of the lane you want to enter. Signaling early informs other drivers of your plan, giving them time to adjust their speed or position. Before you move, make sure the target lane is truly clear by checking into that lane and watching for fast-moving or closely spaced vehicles behind you. Keep a steady speed and a safe following distance as you merge, and cancel your signal once you’ve completed the lane change. This combo — mirror check, shoulder check, early signal, and confirming the lane is clear — best prevents ending up in a blind spot. Relying only on the rearview mirror, making a quick turn without signaling, or switching lanes without looking all increase the risk of a collision.