When changing lanes, which lane should you check along with the lane next to you?

When changing lanes, it's essential to ensure that it's safe to move into your desired space. Checking the far lane is crucial because it helps you maintain awareness of vehicles that might be approaching from either side and could impact your lane change. This is especially important in traffic situations where multiple lanes are in use, as vehicles from the far lane might be entering your lane or may have a different speed, which could lead to potential hazards.

Being aware of the far lane allows a motorcyclist to make a more informed decision, ensuring that there are no obstructing or approaching vehicles when initiating the lane change. Proper observation not only increases safety but also helps to ensure smooth and predictable movements, which are vital for motorcyclists.

While checking the lane behind and the lane in front can also provide valuable information, these checks don't account for immediate threats from the surrounding lanes as effectively as monitoring the far lane does during a lane change.