To check your blind spot before changing lanes:
- Look into the left side mirror.
- Look into the right side mirror.
- Look into the rearview mirror.
- Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move. ✓
Answer: D. Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move.
Look over your shoulder in the direction you plan to move to check your blind spot before changing lanes.
Why this is the answer
The Texas handbook says to use the rearview and side mirrors and then turn your head to check the area beside you before a lane change. That shoulder check lets you see whether the roadway is clear and whether another vehicle is passing. Mirrors alone can leave a vehicle hidden in the blind spot. Turning your head toward the lane you intend to enter is the direct check the handbook calls for.
Why the other answers are wrong
- A. Look into the left side mirror. — Looking only into the left side mirror is not enough, because the handbook adds a shoulder check for the blind spot.
- B. Look into the right side mirror. — Looking only into the right side mirror is not enough, because the handbook adds a shoulder check for the blind spot.
- C. Look into the rearview mirror. — Looking only into the rearview mirror is not enough, because it does not cover the blind spot beside you.
Remember it
Mirrors cover behind and beside you; your shoulder glance covers the strip they can miss.