What should you do before performing a left turn at an intersection?

Before making a left turn at an intersection, it is essential to signal and check your mirrors. Signaling informs other drivers and pedestrians of your intent to turn, which enhances safety by reducing the risk of collisions. Checking mirrors allows you to assess the traffic situation around you, ensuring that it is safe to make the turn without interfering with other vehicles or obstacles.

This process of signaling and checking mirrors is a fundamental aspect of safe riding practices. It helps establish your position in the traffic flow and allows you to make informed decisions before executing the turn, contributing to a smoother and safer maneuver at intersections. Each of the other options does not adhere to safe riding protocols. For instance, accelerating quickly to cross can lead to loss of control, and waiting solely for a green light does not account for other traffic or pedestrians. Cutting across lanes without signaling is not only unsafe but also illegal, as it fails to communicate your intentions to others.