What is the best method for checking blind spots before merging?

The best method for checking blind spots before merging is to turn your head to look behind. This practice allows you to get a complete view of the areas that mirrors may miss, providing a more accurate perspective of the surrounding traffic. Blind spots are the areas around your vehicle that cannot be seen through mirrors alone, and physically turning your head ensures that you assess these critical zones before making any maneuvers.

Using mirrors, while helpful, does not always reveal vehicles or objects in the blind spots, especially if they are very close to your vehicle. Backup cameras, although a valuable tool for parking and reversing, may not provide adequate coverage of the blind spots during merging, as they typically focus on the area directly behind the vehicle. Looking through the rear window is also not as effective because it may not cover the full scope of the side blind spots, which is what you need to check when merging. Thus, turning your head is the most thorough and comprehensive method for ensuring safety on the road when preparing to merge into traffic.