Before changing lanes to the left, what safety checks should you perform?

Before changing lanes to the left, it's essential to ensure that the lane you're moving into is clear and safe. To do this effectively, checking the left mirror is crucial as it provides a view of the traffic coming up from behind on your left side. Additionally, turning your head to the left allows you to check your blind spot—an area not visible in your mirrors where other vehicles may be present. These actions together help confirm that the lane is indeed clear, reducing the risk of collision when merging into the next lane. The correct approach emphasizes both visual checks in the mirrors and a physical check by turning your head to ensure all angles are covered regarding safety.