When changing lanes, what is the safest practice?

The safest practice when changing lanes is to check your mirrors and signal before executing the maneuver. This approach is fundamental for ensuring that you are aware of your surroundings and that other drivers are informed of your intentions. By checking mirrors, you can assess the position and speed of vehicles in adjacent lanes, helping to prevent potential collisions. Signaling allows other road users to anticipate your move, enabling them to adjust their driving accordingly, which is essential for maintaining safe driving conditions.

Changing lanes rapidly or abruptly can create confusion and increase the risk of an accident, particularly if other drivers are not prepared for your sudden movement. While it might seem logical to change lanes when no cars are around, this does not take into account the possibility of unseen vehicles or hazards. Therefore, maintaining awareness through mirrors and communication via signaling remains the best practice for lane changes, contributing to a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.