When making a lane change in front of a car, where should that car be in your mirrors?

When making a lane change in front of a car, it is essential to ensure that the car is visible in your rearview mirror, ideally positioned in the middle of it. This positioning indicates that there is sufficient distance between your vehicle and the car behind you, allowing for a safe lane change. Seeing the car in the middle of your rearview mirror provides a clear indication that you have adequate space to maneuver without cutting off the other driver.

If a vehicle is solely visible in your side mirror, it may still be dangerously close to your vehicle, making it risky to change lanes. The blind spot, an area not visible in any of your mirrors, poses an even greater risk during a lane change, as the driver behind you may not be visible at all during this critical action. If the car is entirely out of sight in your mirrors, it raises significant safety concerns, as you cannot accurately assess whether it is safe to change lanes. Safe driving practices require you to constantly check your mirrors and maintain awareness of your surroundings to prevent potential collisions.