What do you need to do before changing lanes or merging?

Answer: B — Always check your blind spots

Before changing lanes or merging, it is crucial to always check your blind spots. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that you cannot see through your mirrors. Checking these areas ensures that there are no other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians in the space you intend to enter. This practice significantly enhances safety by allowing you to make informed decisions based on your surroundings. Although checking mirrors and signaling your intention are important aspects of lane changing and merging, they do not provide the complete picture. Mirrors provide visibility of adjacent lanes but do not account for the blind spots where vehicles might be lurking. Therefore, a comprehensive safety check includes looking over your shoulder to check blind spots, ensuring a safe maneuver before you proceed. Remaining aware of oncoming traffic is also important, but it is not sufficient on its own; you must consider what is beside and behind you as well. This holistic approach to lane changing and merging is essential for safe driving practices.