When changing lanes, you can check your blind spots by:
- Using the inside rearview mirror.
- Using the outside rearview mirror.
- Using both inside and outside rearview mirrors.
- Turning your head and looking over your shoulder. ✓
Answer: D. Turning your head and looking over your shoulder.
Turning your head and looking over your shoulder is how you check blind spots before changing lanes.
Why this is the answer
The Florida handbook defines blind spots as areas near the rear corners that mirrors and peripheral vision do not cover. It says that before changing lanes, passing, or making certain turns, you should turn your head so you can confirm those areas are clear. Because the handbook places these spots outside what the rear-view mirrors show, a mirror-only check cannot do the job. That is why the correct action is a shoulder check.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Using the inside rearview mirror. — The inside rearview mirror alone does not show the blind spots near the rear corners, so it cannot confirm the lane is clear.
- B. Using the outside rearview mirror. — The outside rearview mirror alone also leaves the blind spots unseen, according to the handbook's description of those areas.
- C. Using both inside and outside rearview mirrors. — Using both mirrors still does not cover the blind spots, because the handbook says those areas are outside what the rear-view mirrors show.
Remember it
Mirrors watch behind you; your shoulder check watches the corner they leave out.