When should you check your mirrors while making a lane change?

Checking mirrors is a crucial step in ensuring safety during lane changes, but the timing of these checks is vital. The accurate answer involves checking your mirrors at different stages of the lane change process.

Before starting a lane change, you should always check your mirrors to assess the traffic situation around you. This includes looking for vehicles in your blind spots and ensuring that there is sufficient space to safely make the maneuver. While making the lane change, continual mirror checks are important to maintain awareness of vehicles that may be moving into your path, as well as to judge your position relative to other drivers. Finally, after completing the lane change, checking your mirrors again is key to ensuring that you have successfully integrated into the new lane without cutting off others.

The most comprehensive approach is to check your mirrors before, during, and after the lane change to stay aware of your surroundings and enhance safety. Therefore, focusing on only one phase, such as after the lane change, does not fully address the critical need for vigilance throughout the maneuver.