When is it especially important to check blind spots?

Checking blind spots is especially important when changing lanes because this is when a driver is moving from one lane to another, which often involves adjacent traffic. Blind spots are areas around the vehicle that cannot be directly observed by the driver through the mirrors. When changing lanes, the driver must ensure there is no vehicle or cyclist in that blind area that may not be visible in the mirrors. Failing to check these spots can lead to dangerous situations, such as collisions with other vehicles that are in adjacent lanes or may be overtaking.

While checking blind spots is also important in situations like making a left turn or driving in a parking lot, the dynamic nature of changing lanes—where vehicles can quickly approach from behind or beside—heightens the need for awareness. When driving straight, the focus is mainly ahead, as there is typically less risk of encountering vehicles directly in adjacent lanes. Therefore, the context of lane changes necessitates thorough checks of all blind spots to ensure safety.