What should you scan for before switching lanes into an empty spot?

Before switching lanes into an empty spot, it is essential to scan for potential approaching drivers. This involves checking your surroundings to ensure that no other vehicles are moving into the same space or are in your blind spot. Failing to do this can lead to hazardous situations, as another driver might already be merging into that lane or could be approaching at high speed.

While other factors like weather conditions, road conditions (such as potholes), and traffic signals are important for safe driving, they do not directly pertain to the immediate concern of switching lanes. Weather conditions can affect overall driving but won't specifically alert you to active nearby vehicles. Potholes can impact lane choice but are also not a concern when directly considering lane changes. Traffic signals are crucial for understanding stop-and-go conditions but are less relevant when the focus is specifically on the action of changing lanes to avoid a collision with another vehicle. Therefore, scanning for potential approaching drivers is a critical action that ensures the safety of both yourself and others on the road.