Final answer:
To check your blind spot when changing lanes to the left, glance over your left shoulder. Mirrors don't cover all areas, so the shoulder check is critical for safety to detect vehicles in the blind spot.
Step-by-step explanation:
To check your blind spot when changing lanes to the left, you should glance over your left shoulder in the direction you plan to move. This quick check helps you make sure that there are no vehicles or obstacles in the space where you want to go that you can't see in your rearview or side mirrors. It's important to remember that mirrors do not cover all areas around your vehicle, and a blind spot is an area around the vehicle that the driver cannot directly observe while at the driver's seat.
For safety, you should always perform a few critical steps before changing lanes: use your turn signal to indicate your intention to switch lanes, check your rearview and side mirrors, and then do the blind spot check. This process helps to ensure that you are aware of your surroundings and can make the lane change safely.
The blind spot can be a dangerous area when driving because vehicles in the blind spot may not be immediately visible, but their presence can be detected by a quick shoulder check. This important driving technique prevents accidents and is a fundamental aspect of responsible vehicle operation.