What should you do if you are changing lanes, preparing to pass, or entering traffic?

When changing lanes, preparing to pass, or entering traffic, it is crucial to check your vehicle's blind spot after using your mirrors. While mirrors provide a view of the adjacent lanes, they do not show everything. Blind spots are areas that cannot be viewed through mirrors, and other vehicles, especially smaller ones like motorcycles, can easily hide in these areas.

By looking over your shoulder, you ensure that no vehicle is present in your blind spot before you make any maneuver. This step is essential for maintaining safety on the road and prevents accidents that could occur if a driver attempts to change lanes or merge without being fully aware of their surroundings. While signaling your intent is also important, and looking over your shoulder is a part of a comprehensive safety check, it is the act of checking the blind spot that can make the difference in avoiding potential collisions.