What is crucial to check when making lane changes?

When making lane changes, checking blind spots is crucial because these areas are not visible in your mirrors and can conceal vehicles or obstacles that you may not be aware of while driving. Failing to check blind spots can lead to collisions with vehicles that are either adjacent to you or moving into your lane unexpectedly. By ensuring that your blind spots are clear before initiating a lane change, you enhance your safety and that of other road users.

While the speed of vehicles behind, weather conditions, and the time of day are important considerations for overall safety while driving, they do not specifically relate to the immediate risk of changing lanes. Focusing on blind spots directly addresses the potential hazards that can arise during that specific maneuver, making it critical to the process of safely changing lanes.