Before changing lanes, check your blind spots by looking __________.

Checking your blind spots is a crucial step before changing lanes to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road. The best practice involves looking over your shoulder, as this action allows you to see areas that are not visible in your mirrors. Side view mirrors and the rear view mirror are valuable tools for observing traffic behind and beside your vehicle, but they do not cover blind spots.

While using those mirrors is important for gathering comprehensive information about your surroundings, they do not allow you to detect vehicles that may be in the blind spots—areas directly next to and slightly behind your vehicle where other vehicles may not be seen. Consequently, turning your head and looking over your shoulder provides the additional visibility necessary for a safe lane change. This approach ensures that you have a full view of your surroundings before proceeding, thereby minimizing the risk of collisions.