What should a motorcyclist do before making a lane change?

Before making a lane change, a motorcyclist should check mirrors and blind spots to ensure it is safe to do so. This is crucial for several reasons. Motorcycles are smaller than most vehicles, which makes them less visible to other drivers. By checking mirrors, the motorcyclist can observe traffic behind and beside them. Additionally, checking blind spots is vital because other vehicles may occupy areas that are not visible in the mirrors. This comprehensive assessment reduces the risk of collisions by ensuring that the lane change can be executed safely without interfering with other road users.

The other choices, while they might seem helpful, do not prioritize the fundamental safety measure of assessing the surrounding environment before changing lanes. Using the horn may startle other drivers, and accelerating quickly could create hazards by increasing the risk of losing control or colliding with other vehicles. Making eye contact may help in some situations, but it cannot replace the thorough checking of mirrors and blind spots that is essential to safe riding.