What is a critical step you should take before making a lane change on a motorcycle?

Checking your mirrors and blind spots is a critical step before making a lane change on a motorcycle because it ensures that you have a full view of your surroundings and that it is safe to make the maneuver. Motorcycles are smaller than cars and can easily be overlooked by other drivers, so being vigilant about what is happening around you is crucial for your safety.

Mirrors allow you to see vehicles approaching from behind or to the sides, while checking blind spots gives you a view of areas not covered by your mirrors, which may include vehicles in adjacent lanes that you cannot see directly. This combination of checks helps prevent accidents caused by a lack of situational awareness.

Other options, such as accelerating quickly or signaling only to the left, do not incorporate the necessary safety checks for awareness of nearby vehicles, and looking only to the rear restricts your field of vision and may miss crucial information about traffic conditions.