When you want to turn right from a main road into a side road, what should you do just before turning?

When preparing to turn right from a main road into a side road, it is essential to check for traffic overtaking on your right. This action is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures you are aware of any vehicles that may be approaching from behind and intending to overtake you as you prepare to make the turn. This knowledge helps you avoid collisions, as these overtaking vehicles may not expect you to turn, especially if you're not signaling correctly.

By checking for traffic overtaking, you can also assess the speed of oncoming vehicles and judge the appropriate time to make your turn safely. This vigilance contributes to overall road safety for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists who might be around the side road you are entering. Properly checking your surroundings is a fundamental aspect of defensive driving, allowing you to anticipate potential hazards and act accordingly.

Other approaches, such as only looking in the rearview mirror or turning without checking, can lead to dangerous situations, whereas signaling left instead of right would confuse other road users about your intentions.