What should you check for before changing lanes?

Ensuring that the lane you intend to change into is clear and does not have oncoming traffic is crucial for safe driving. When changing lanes, it's important to check your mirrors and blind spots to confirm that there are no vehicles in your intended path. This helps to prevent collisions and ensures that you are making a safe maneuver. Being aware of oncoming traffic is equally vital as it allows you to understand if it is safe to proceed without interfering with another vehicle's right of way. You should also assess the speed and position of vehicles around you to make sure you can change lanes safely without causing disruptions.

While considering weather conditions can be helpful for overall driving safety, it does not directly pertain to the act of changing lanes itself. Checking the speed of the vehicle behind you and the distance to the next intersection can provide important context while driving, but they are not the primary factors to assess immediately before changing lanes. The primary focus should always be on ensuring the lane is clear and safe to enter.