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

Checking blind spots before changing lanes is crucial for ensuring safety on the road. Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that you cannot see through your mirrors. By looking over your shoulder or checking your blind spots, you confirm that there are no vehicles, cyclists, or other obstacles in the adjacent lane that you may not be visible to you. This action helps to prevent accidents, allowing for safer lane changes.

While adjusting mirrors helps minimize blind spots, it does not eliminate them entirely. Increasing speed quickly is unnecessary and can be dangerous when changing lanes. Finally, while being aware of pedestrian crossings is important, it is not directly related to lane changes. Therefore, the primary reason for checking blind spots focuses on confirming the absence of vehicles or cyclists in your path, making it the most appropriate and vital answer.