What action should be taken before passing another vehicle?

Before passing another vehicle, it is essential to check mirrors and signal your intentions. This action is a key component of safe driving practices. By checking mirrors, you ensure that it is safe to change lanes and pass the vehicle ahead of you. This step helps you become aware of other traffic, including vehicles that may be in your blind spots or approaching from behind.

Signaling your intentions is also critical because it communicates to other drivers what you plan to do. This ensures that other drivers are aware of your maneuver, allowing them to adjust their speed or position if necessary. Both of these actions promote safety and help prevent accidents, making them vital steps in the passing process.

Other actions listed, such as accelerating quickly or moving into another lane without signaling, can increase the risk of collisions and do not prioritize communication and awareness on the road. Honking the horn, while sometimes used in driving to alert others, is not a substitute for the proper signaling and checking of surroundings. Therefore, checking mirrors and signaling is the most responsible and safest action to take before passing another vehicle.