What is the proper technique to use when changing lanes?

The proper technique for changing lanes involves several critical steps to ensure safety and effective communication with other road users. When checking mirrors, performing a head check, and signaling in advance, you are taking a comprehensive approach to lane changing.

Checking mirrors allows you to assess the vehicles around you, while the head check provides a visual confirmation of blind spots that may not be visible in the mirrors. Signaling in advance is essential as it informs other drivers of your intention to change lanes, which helps prevent accidents. This method promotes awareness, safety, and smooth traffic flow.

Other approaches, like changing lanes quickly after signaling once, may not allow sufficient time for surrounding drivers to react appropriately. Relying solely on mirrors ignores the potential blind spots that could lead to dangerous situations. Ignoring signals altogether and merging without communication is not only unsafe but also illegal, as it disregards the rules of the road and can cause confusion for other drivers.