What action should be taken before merging into traffic?

Before merging into traffic, it's crucial to check mirrors and blind spots. This action ensures that the motorcyclist has a clear understanding of their surroundings and can identify any vehicles that may be in adjacent lanes or approaching from behind. By carefully assessing the space around them, the motorcyclist can determine the safest time and position to merge without causing an accident or endangering themselves or other drivers on the road.

This practice is essential, as motorcycles have a smaller profile compared to cars, which can make them more difficult to see. Drivers in other vehicles may not always be aware of a motorcycle’s presence, so the motorcyclist must take personal responsibility for ensuring their safety. Additionally, looking over the shoulder to check blind spots provides an extra layer of awareness that mirrors alone cannot offer. Signals, whether hand signals or turn signals, are important for communication but should be supplemented by visual checks of the surrounding traffic to ensure a safe merge.