Which action should be taken when preparing to make a lane change?

When preparing to make a lane change, signaling and checking mirrors as well as blind spots is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. Signaling alerts other drivers of your intention to change lanes, providing them with the necessary information to react appropriately. This is an essential communication step in driving.

Checking both your mirrors and blind spots allows you to have a comprehensive understanding of the surrounding traffic and ensures that there are no vehicles in your intended lane that could pose a risk during the maneuver. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that are not visible through mirrors alone, making it vital to look over your shoulder to confirm it's safe to change lanes.

This thorough approach reduces the likelihood of accidents by ensuring you're aware of all surrounding vehicles, including those that may be in your blind spots. The other options fail to encompass this level of precaution. For example, relying solely on the side view mirror neglects the importance of blind spot checks, while signaling without checking can lead to unsafe lane changes. Making a lane change without signaling entirely disregards the need for communication with other drivers, which is a fundamental aspect of safe driving practices.