Yes. I always turn my head before I switch lanes, but I much more frequently am just aware that I don't need to turn my head because there is someone beside me.

Yes. I always turn my head before I switch lanes, but I much more frequently am just aware that I don't need to turn my head because there is someone beside me. And you gain continuous situational awareness that means you pretty much always know which way you can go if you have to. I also have had more surprise cars coming up next to me than motorcycles, because they're so rare and they don't come ut in the winter.