How does one check their blind spot before changing lanes?

Checking your blind spot before changing lanes is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. The best method to do this involves looking over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change. This action allows you to visually confirm that there are no vehicles or obstacles in the area that is not visible in your mirrors.

While rearview mirrors and side mirrors provide important information about the surroundings, they do not cover all angles, particularly those right beside and behind the vehicle. Therefore, relying solely on mirrors can leave gaps in your awareness. Checking your blind spot by turning your head enhances your ability to see what may be lurking in those difficult-to-see areas, leading to a safer lane change. Additionally, using dashboard indicators can give a warning; however, they should not replace the physical act of looking, as they may not be fully reliable in all situations.