What is a critical step for safely passing another vehicle?

To ensure safe passing of another vehicle, a critical step is to check mirrors and blind spots before signaling. This approach allows a rider to be fully aware of the surroundings, including any vehicles in adjacent lanes or those that may be approaching from behind. Proper situational awareness is fundamental to safe maneuvering on the road, as it helps to identify any hazards that could lead to accidents.

By checking mirrors, the rider can observe traffic to their rear and sides, while checking blind spots is essential for spotting vehicles that may not be visible in the mirrors, such as those in the adjacent lane. Once the rider has confirmed that the lane is clear and it is safe to proceed, signaling informs other drivers of the upcoming maneuver, thus enhancing overall safety during the passing process.