Before changing lanes on a multilane highway, you should:
- Sound your horn.
- Turn on your headlights.
- Reduce your speed.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots. ✓
Answer: D. Check your mirrors and blind spots.
Before changing lanes on a multilane highway, check your mirrors and blind spots so you know the lane is clear.
Why this is the answer
The handbook's lane-change guidance says to check the rearview mirror, the side mirrors, and to look over your shoulder in your blind spot to confirm the roadway is clear and no other vehicles are passing you. The motorcycle section repeats this: make a visual check of mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic. A quick glance is not enough because a smaller vehicle can be missed, so you turn your head and look before you move over.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Sound your horn. — The handbook mentions tapping the horn to alert a driver you are passing, not as a step for changing lanes.
- B. Turn on your headlights. — Headlights are not part of the lane-change check; the passages say nothing about turning them on before moving over.
- C. Reduce your speed. — Slowing down is not the lane-change procedure described; the handbook stresses checking mirrors and the blind spot instead.
Remember it
Mirrors show what is behind you, but only a look over your shoulder covers the blind spot.