What should you check before changing lanes to avoid being tailgated?

Answer: B — Your mirrors and blind spots

Checking your mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes is essential for ensuring safety on the road and avoiding collisions with vehicles that may be following closely behind you. By thoroughly assessing your surroundings, you can identify if there are any vehicles in the lane you wish to enter, particularly those that might be tailgating. This thorough check allows you to ensure that it is safe to switch lanes without cutting off another driver or creating an unsafe situation. Additionally, being vigilant about your blind spots is crucial, as vehicles can sometimes be in areas that are not visible in your mirrors. This practice not only helps in preventing accidents but also promotes safer driving habits by being aware of other road users' positions. In contrast, checking the fuel gauge, speedometer, or GPS directions does not directly relate to safely changing lanes or preventing tailgating. While these aspects are important for general driving, they do not contribute to the immediate safety considerations necessary when merging onto or changing lanes in traffic.