Which of the following behaviors is the safest when leaving a curb?

When leaving a curb, the safest behavior is to signal, check your surroundings, and then pull out safely. This approach ensures that other drivers and pedestrians are aware of your intentions to merge into traffic, which significantly reduces the risk of accidents. Signaling informs others of your planned movement, allowing them to adjust their driving accordingly. Checking your surroundings helps you identify any potential hazards, such as pedestrians, cyclists, or vehicles in your blind spots. By combining both signaling and a thorough check before merging, you create a safer environment for everyone on the road.

Waiting for a traffic light to change does not specifically apply to situations where you are pulling out from a curb, as that may not always be required or practical. Yielding to the vehicle behind you may not ensure your safety as the primary focus should be on merging safely into traffic. Pulling out without signaling can create confusion and increase the risk of an accident, as other road users may not anticipate your movement.