Why is it important to check your blind spots before changing lanes?

Checking your blind spots before changing lanes is critical for ensuring safety while driving. The primary reason for this is that certain areas around your vehicle, particularly those directly to the sides and behind, may not be visible in your mirrors. These blind spots can hide smaller vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, or pedestrians that are in close proximity to your vehicle.

If you fail to check these areas, you run the risk of colliding with a vehicle or object that you did not see, leading to potential accidents. The act of physically turning your head to look over your shoulder and checking these blind spots provides a clear view of whether it is safe to change lanes, making it a key aspect of defensive driving.

Other options, such as verifying the color of surrounding vehicles or adjusting your speed, do not specifically address the unique danger posed by blind spots and do not replace the need for thorough checks. Thus, the importance of checking blind spots lies in the prevention of accidents and the enhancement of overall road safety.