What must a driver do before changing lanes in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, a driver is required to signal their intent and ensure it is safe to change lanes. This practice enhances road safety by clearly communicating to other road users the driver's intention to move into a different lane, which helps to prevent potential accidents. Signaling is essential for alerting other motorists and pedestrians, thus facilitating better traffic flow and reducing misunderstandings on the road.

While checking mirrors is an important step in assessing the surrounding traffic before making a lane change, it is not sufficient on its own without signaling the intent. Speeding up to avoid blocking traffic can lead to unsafe driving behavior and does not negate the responsibility to signal. Changing lanes without signaling, even if the area appears clear, poses significant risks by not informing others of the driver's actions. Therefore, the combination of signaling and ensuring safety is crucial for legal compliance and overall road safety in Pennsylvania.