Final answer:
The last action a driver should take before entering traffic from the curb is to check the side mirror blind area to ensure it is clear, as this is a critical safety measure to avoid collisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Safety is paramount when a driver is about to enter traffic. Although all the options listed are important steps in the process of moving a vehicle from a parked position, checking the side mirror blind area (also known as a blind spot check) is crucial and should be the last step before merging into traffic.
After using the side view and rear view mirrors, the driver should physically turn to look over their shoulder to ensure that there are no vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians in the blind spot that the mirrors cannot detect. This is because mirrors can sometimes give an incomplete picture of traffic conditions. Releasing the parking brake and shifting the selector to 'Drive' are important too, but these actions do not directly relate to acknowledging other road users that may be present in the blind spot. By checking the blind spot last, the driver ensures the path is clear one final time before entering traffic, thus reducing the risk of collision.