When is it important to check your blind spots?

Checking your blind spots is crucial when merging into a lane because it helps ensure that there are no vehicles or obstacles in your path that you cannot see in your mirrors. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that are not visible through standard mirrors, and merging into traffic requires you to be fully aware of your surroundings to avoid collisions.

By looking over your shoulder and checking those blind spots, you can confirm that it is safe to change lanes without endangering yourself or other drivers. This practice enhances road safety and supports defensive driving techniques, making it especially important during maneuvers that involve interacting closely with other vehicles.

While it's good practice to check blind spots at other times, such as when turning or changing lanes, the act of merging specifically demands heightened awareness due to the nature of the maneuver and the potential for other cars to be in close proximity or in your blind spots.