What is the first step in changing lanes?

The first step in changing lanes is to signal your intent. This is crucial for ensuring that other drivers are aware of your plans to change lanes, allowing them to adjust their positions as necessary and helping to prevent accidents. Signaling provides clear communication on the road, enhances safety, and is often required by traffic laws. By using your turn signal before making a lane change, you are taking the first proactive step in the process, setting the stage for the rest of the maneuvers involved.

Although checking mirrors, looking over your shoulder, and accelerating are important steps that follow signaling, they cannot substitute for the initial act of indicating your intent. These actions should be performed after you've signaled to ensure that the lane change is executed safely and effectively while considering other vehicles in the vicinity.