Delaware Driver Education State Practice Test

What should drivers primarily rely on when changing lanes?

1. Mirrors

2. Own eyes

3. Sound

4. Traffic signs

The correct answer is: Own eyes

When changing lanes, drivers should primarily rely on their own eyes because visual confirmation is crucial for ensuring safety. Using their own eyes allows drivers to assess the position and speed of vehicles in adjacent lanes, the distance between them and other vehicles, and the overall traffic conditions. This personal observation helps drivers make informed decisions about when it's safe to change lanes, rather than solely depending on mirrors or other sources of information. While mirrors are an important tool for assessing surrounding traffic, they have limitations and can create blind spots. Silence or sounds from other vehicles may not provide an accurate assessment of distance or safety. Traffic signs are also critical for navigation and understanding road rules, but they do not provide real-time information about the flow of traffic or the actions of nearby vehicles. Relying on one's own eyes encourages a comprehensive view of the driving environment, which is essential for making safe lane changes.