What is the recommended way to check for traffic before changing lanes?

The recommended way to check for traffic before changing lanes is to look over your shoulder while signaling. This method ensures that a rider is aware of any vehicles that may be in their blind spots, which are areas not visible through mirrors. By looking over the shoulder, a motorcyclist gains a comprehensive view of the situation around them, allowing for a safer maneuver into the new lane.

Signaling serves as an important communication tool, alerting other drivers of the intent to change lanes, which can help prevent accidents. Utilizing both visual checks and signaling is critical for maintaining safety while riding.

Relying solely on mirrors or peripheral vision does not provide the complete awareness needed for lane changes, as mirrors may not capture all surrounding traffic and peripheral vision may miss faster or closer vehicles. Furthermore, changing lanes quickly to avoid delays can lead to reckless behavior, decreasing safety for both the rider and other road users.