Why is it important to check blind spots before changing lanes?

Checking blind spots before changing lanes is crucial because it ensures that the lane is clear of vehicles or obstacles that may not be visible in your mirrors. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that cannot be seen through standard rearview or side mirrors, which is why physically turning your head to check these areas is necessary. This practice helps prevent accidents by confirming that no cars, cyclists, or pedestrians are in your intended path before you execute the lane change.

Understanding road conditions, signaling to drivers behind you, and reducing wear on tires, while important aspects of safe driving, do not specifically address the need to check blind spots. Road conditions pertain to the overall driving environment, signaling is about communication with other drivers, and tire wear is unrelated to safety during lane changes. Thus, confirming that your intended lane is clear is the primary reason for checking blind spots.