Shoulder checks: the why, when and how
- Shoulder check is one of the driving skills that comprise turning your head briefly to view your blind spots prior to merging, changing lanes, or making turns. These are the reasons why it should be done:
1. Suppresses Blind Spots
Mirrors do not show everything. A blind spot is the area around your vehicle that is not visible in your side or rearview mirrors. A quick shoulder check ensures no vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians are in your path.
2. Prevents Collisions
Failing to check your blind spot can lead to accidents, especially when changing lanes or merging onto highways. Shoulder checks help confirm if it’s safe to move.
3. Improves Road Awareness
A shoulder check assists you in forming a better impression of the environment around you so that you make safer, smarter choices when you are driving.
4. Safe and Legal Driving Practice
Matters of not performing a shoulder check before lane changing or merging are known in most regions as driver mistakes that cause failing a driving test or getting involved in a traffic offense.
5. Safety of Vulnerable Road Users
Motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians can so quickly be in your blind spot, especially in cities. A shoulder check is a promise you won’t put them in danger.
“When Do You Shoulder Check?”
Before you change lanes
Before you merge onto a highway
Before you turn, especially where there are cyclists or pedestrians
Before you pull away from a curb or parking space
Always use mirror checks together with shoulder checks for maximum road safety!
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