What does it mean to "check traffic"?

To "check traffic" primarily means to observe other vehicles before turning or merging. This action is crucial for ensuring safe driving practices, as it allows you to assess the movement and behavior of vehicles in your immediate vicinity. When preparing to change lanes, make a turn, or merge into traffic, looking around thoroughly helps you identify potential hazards and ensures you won't interfere with the flow of traffic or put yourself or others at risk.

By actively observing the vehicles around you, you can make informed decisions about the timing and execution of your maneuver, greatly reducing the likelihood of collisions. Checking traffic goes beyond merely glancing at the flowing vehicles; it involves a comprehensive assessment of their speed, proximity, and direction to navigate safely.

In contrast, while assessing vehicle speed, ensuring your own vehicle is functioning, and monitoring pedestrians might also contribute to overall road safety and awareness, they do not directly encapsulate the specific intent and outcome of "checking traffic" in the context of preparing for turns or merges.