What should you do if you plan to change lanes?

When you plan to change lanes, signaling your intention is crucial for several reasons. Using your turn signal alerts other drivers of your intention to change lanes, which helps promote safety on the road. It allows nearby vehicles to adjust their speed or position if necessary, reducing the risk of a collision.

Signaling not only communicates your actions to other motorists but also reinforces the importance of situational awareness among all road users. This practice is part of safe driving etiquette and is required by law in most places, including Virginia.

The other options highlight unsafe practices. Looking only in your rearview mirror provides incomplete information; drivers should also check their blind spots to ensure that there are no vehicles in adjacent lanes. Changing lanes immediately without signaling can surprise other drivers and lead to accidents. Additionally, only looking to the right neglects the need to check all surrounding areas, including the left side and rear of the vehicle. Therefore, signaling effectively captures the necessary steps to change lanes safely.