What is the correct procedure for changing lanes?

The correct procedure for changing lanes involves a series of important steps that prioritize safety and awareness. First, checking traffic is essential to ensure that it is safe to change lanes, as this helps the driver assess the presence and speed of other vehicles nearby. Following this, signaling your intention to change lanes is crucial; it communicates your actions to other drivers, thereby promoting a safer transition.

Selecting a gap in traffic is the next step, allowing the driver to merge into the new lane without causing disruption. This requires careful judgment of distance and speed of surrounding vehicles. After selecting a gap, it’s important to check blind spots, as these areas are outside the view of mirrors and can conceal other vehicles. Finally, steering smoothly into the new lane ensures that the maneuver is executed safely.

This methodical approach combines awareness, communication, and proper vehicle handling, which is why this procedure is emphasized for safe lane changes. The other options lack critical components of this process, such as assessing traffic and checking blind spots, which are vital for avoiding accidents.