What should you do after signaling when preparing to change lanes?

When preparing to change lanes, it is crucial to ensure that the lane you intend to move into is clear of other vehicles. Making a blind-spot check over your left shoulder is the most effective way to confirm that there are no vehicles in your blind spot that you might not see in your mirrors. This physical check helps to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you, as mirrors alone do not always provide a complete view of your surrounding area.

Other actions, while they may seem plausible, do not prioritize safety or effective lane changing as effectively. For instance, steering immediately into the next lane without checking could lead to collisions if another vehicle is present in that lane. While checking traffic behind you is important, it does not replace the necessity of being aware of your blind spots. Similarly, accelerating to merge faster implies rushing into the lane without ensuring it's safe, which increases the risk of accidents.