Which action should be taken before making a turn or merging?

Before making a turn or merging, checking traffic is essential for ensuring safety on the road. This action helps you assess the positions and movements of other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists around you. By being aware of your surroundings, you can make informed decisions about when it is safe to turn or merge into another lane.

Evaluating traffic not only includes looking in your mirrors but also turning your head to check blind spots. This comprehensive awareness allows you to reduce the risk of accidents and enhances your ability to react to any sudden changes in the environment, such as vehicles approaching at high speeds or unexpected obstacles on the road.

While increasing speed might seem logical when preparing to merge, it can be dangerous without assessing other traffic first. Turning on headlights is typically relevant for visibility, especially in poor lighting conditions, but does not specifically relate to the immediate actions needed before turning or merging. Signaling in the opposite direction can lead to confusion and is counterproductive as it does not accurately communicate your intentions to other drivers. Thus, consistently checking traffic before making any maneuver is the most critical step to ensure safety.