What is the recommended practice regarding mirror checks during a lane change?

What is the recommended practice regarding mirror checks during a lane change?

• A. Before you change lanes.
• B. After you signal and as you begin the lane change.
• C. After you complete the lane change.
• D. All of the above.

Answer: (D)

During a lane change you should constantly monitor traffic with your mirrors at key moments. Start by checking your mirrors before you move to ensure the target lane is clear. Then, after you signal and as you begin the lane change, keep checking to confirm there’s still enough space and no vehicle is closing in your blind spots. Finally, after you have completed the lane change, check again to verify you’re safely in the new lane and that traffic in the old lane isn’t closing in on you. Because you need awareness throughout the entire maneuver, the best practice is to perform mirror checks before, during, and after the lane change. Focusing on just one of those times can miss evolving traffic conditions, so this full, continuous monitoring is essential.

During a lane change you should constantly monitor traffic with your mirrors at key moments. Start by checking your mirrors before you move to ensure the target lane is clear. Then, after you signal and as you begin the lane change, keep checking to confirm there’s still enough space and no vehicle is closing in your blind spots. Finally, after you have completed the lane change, check again to verify you’re safely in the new lane and that traffic in the old lane isn’t closing in on you. Because you need awareness throughout the entire maneuver, the best practice is to perform mirror checks before, during, and after the lane change. Focusing on just one of those times can miss evolving traffic conditions, so this full, continuous monitoring is essential.