When changing lanes on a limited access highway, which action should you perform?

When changing lanes on a limited access highway, the first and foremost action is to check your side and rear view mirrors. This practice is essential for ensuring that you are aware of surrounding traffic and any potential hazards. By checking these mirrors, you confirm whether there are vehicles in your blind spot and ensure that it is safe to move into the lane you wish to occupy.

Additionally, checking mirrors helps maintain situational awareness about the speed and position of other vehicles around you, allowing for a smoother and safer lane change. This proactive approach reduces the risk of collisions and contributes to overall road safety. Other methods, such as signaling only after changing lanes or accelerating quickly without prior assessment, could lead to dangerous situations, as they neglect the crucial step of confirming that your lane change can be performed safely.