Before changing lanes when exiting a highway, what should you do?

• A. Signal and look over your shoulder to check your blind spot.
• B. Speed up to pass other vehicles.
• C. Cut across lanes without signaling.
• D. Stop before changing lanes.

Answer: (A)

Before changing lanes when exiting a highway, you should signal your intention and look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. Signaling warns drivers behind you of your planned move, while the shoulder check confirms there is a clear space in the lane you want to enter and that no vehicle sits in your blind spot. This combination lets you merge smoothly and safely into the exit lane.

Rushing to pass others is risky because it reduces the gap you have to merge and can put you into the path of vehicles in adjacent lanes. Cutting across lanes without signaling is illegal and dangerous because nearby drivers won’t know what you intend to do. Stopping before changing lanes disrupts traffic flow and can create a rear-end hazard.