Which practice is essential for effective lane changing?

Effective lane changing requires checking blind spots before making the maneuver. This practice is crucial because blind spots are areas around your vehicle that cannot be seen in mirrors. By checking these areas, a driver ensures that there are no other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians present that could pose a risk during the lane change.

Failing to check blind spots can lead to collisions, as other vehicles may be positioned in areas that are not visible through mirrors alone. Therefore, this action is not merely a precaution but a necessary step to ensure the safety of both the driver and others on the road. Good lane change habits, including proper signaling and checking all mirrors and blind spots, play a significant role in overall road safety.

The other practices mentioned, such as waiting until the last moment to signal or only looking in the rearview mirror, can contribute to dangerous situations and are not recommended during lane changes. Likewise, speeding up before making the change may increase the risk of losing control or misjudging the distance and speed of other vehicles.