Lane Changing – How to Change Lanes Safety on Highway
Lane changing is one of the most difficult things for new learner drivers to master. It seems even experienced drivers don’t find it easy, either. This is because in lane changing, we often have to multi task.
Lane changing is one of the most difficult things for new learner drivers to master. It seems even experienced drivers don’t find it easy, either. This is because in lane changing, we often have to multi task.
Driving on the highway may be easier for a driver due to the absence of people. However, it can be dangerous for lane changing. Hopefully, the following steps beloe will show you the safety way to
Should not be transferred continuously. The road is clearly divided for the media to follow for safe keeping, the street is not a race track and you are also your car not an outstanding racer, you do not need to switch profanity. Try to stick and move in a fixed lane for your safety.
Turn on the signal to join the lane
Before merging on a freeway, drivers need to turn on their turn signals to notify other vehicles of their intent to merge. Turning on the lights should be done early so that other vehicles have more time to recognize and handle the situation when needed. The driver does not have the right-of-way; Vehicles traveling in the express lane will not slow down but maintain the same speed. Whether you enter the lane safely or not depends on how well you judge, recognize and adjust your speed, and master the maneuvers.
Drive the vehicle in the speed lane
Most highways have acceleration / deceleration lanes designed to serve vehicle entry / exit needs. Therefore, to merge safely, you should drive your vehicle into the acceleration lane (if any); at the same time looking for space before merging into the lane; instead of joining the lane according to feelings. Watch the road, look in the mirror, and behind to know when it is safe to move in. Don’t forget to maintain the appropriate speed to immediately enter the safest lane.
Join the highway when it is safe
Only allow the vehicle to merge into the expressway lane when it is safe, which means there is enough space for the vehicle to merge and move forward without causing any collision to the vehicle in front and behind. Note, after merging lanes, still have to drive and maintain a suitable speed, equal to the traveling speed of other vehicles on the road to ensure safety.
8 Safety steps for lane changing
1. Notice
First, turn on your signal lights to alert surrounding vehicles that you are intending to change lanes.
2. Examine the mirror and observe
Check inside and outside rearview mirrors to make sure there are no vehicles moving in the position where you want to change lanes.
The point to pass ahead is clear, are intersections, pedestrian streets, narrow streets …
Check if the vehicle in front or behind is trying to change lanes or overtake.
3. Check your blind spot
A blind spot check is a very important step that many drivers often skip, resulting in unexpected accidents. If your car is equipped with a blind spot warning system, that’s great, you have a very smart and safe car.
If not, you can use the following method to check your blind spot: When changing lanes to the left, turn your head to the left and look towards the side of the B-post. When changing lanes to the right, turn right and Look towards the edge of the C-pillar. These are two blind spots that the rearview mirror will hardly give you enough vision.
4. Turn the steering wheel
Keep a steady speed and gently turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to change lanes.
5. Turn off turn signals
Control speed appropriately and turn off the signal lights to pass the passing vehicle.
6. Turn on the turn signals
Turn on your turn signals to let the vehicle you are passing know that you are returning to the lane they are traveling in.
7. Repeat the test
Sequentially re-perform the steps of the rearview mirror check and the blind spot check in steps 2 and 3.
There will come a time when the vehicle you are passing suddenly disappears in the rearview mirror but stay calm, it will still be there but you need to turn around a little to check a safe distance before changing lanes again.
8. Change to the old lane
Control the appropriate speed, gently turn the steering wheel once again to change back to the old lane and turn off the turn signals.
So, you have taken steps to change lanes safely. However, you need to limit lane change because you cannot always handle unexpected situations well.
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