Final answer:
Before changing lanes, it is crucial to use your turn signal, check mirrors, and do a blind spot check to ensure safety. Adjust speed after changing lanes to match traffic flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before Changing Lanes
The most important thing you should do before changing lanes is to ensure it is safe to do so. This involves several critical steps, the key one being to check your mirrors and blind spots for any oncoming traffic. It is essential to have a clear understanding of your surroundings and the positions of other vehicles relative to your car before attempting a lane change.
Firstly, you should always use your turn signal to indicate your intention to change lanes well in advance. This signals to other drivers your intention and allows them to anticipate your movement, increasing safety for everyone on the road. Next, check your rear-view and side mirrors to ascertain the positions of other vehicles. After looking in the mirrors, it is crucial to perform a blind spot check by quickly glancing over your shoulder to ensure there are no vehicles in the lane you wish to enter that might not be visible in your mirrors.
Only after you have assured that the lane is clear by using your mirrors and checking blind spots should you proceed with changing lanes. It is also important to continue to observe the traffic conditions as you change lanes since they can quickly change, and you need to be prepared to respond to any new developments. Once the lane change is completed, turn off your turn signal and adjust your speed to match the flow of the traffic in the new lane.