What should you check before making a lane change?

Checking your mirrors and blind spots before making a lane change is crucial for ensuring that the lane is clear and safe for you to enter. This practice helps you maintain awareness of surrounding vehicles, including those in adjacent lanes, and any potential hazards that may not be visible in your mirrors alone. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that are not covered by mirrors, necessitating a quick shoulder check to confirm there's no vehicle or object that could obstruct your path.

While using a GPS for directions, checking speed limit signs, and monitoring your fuel gauge are important aspects of overall driving safety and vehicle operation, they are not directly related to the immediate necessary precautions one should take when performing a lane change. The primary concern in that moment is ensuring the safety of the maneuver, which is addressed by thoroughly checking mirrors and blind spots.