2010 August Safety Tip:

Lane Changes

Changing lanes incorrectly or abruptly is a common mistake made on the road and can lead to major accidents. Drivers often fail to check mirrors and blind spots or forget to signal when making a change. These are simple mistakes but can have a tragic outcome. Learning and developing defensive driving techniques for correctly changing lanes will keep you and the motorists around you safer.

Scan and Plan. Prior to changing lanes, scan the road ahead of you and check what other drivers are doing. Check for vehicles about to merge across your lane, vehicles reducing speed and pedestrians about to step on the road.

Check Rear View Mirror. The rear view mirror will give you a wider view then your side view mirrors and should be used all of the time to see what is occurring around you. The rear view mirror should be checked with a quick glance, while keeping your main focus on the road ahead of you. When glancing at your rear view mirror, check for traffic coming up quicker than you are driving, as well as vehicles signaling to change lanes.

Signal. Always communicate your intentions to other drivers by signaling. Proper signaling will allow other drivers to slow down allowing you to change your lane safely.

Check Your Blind Spots. After you have signaled and are sure the road is clear ahead of you and behind, take a quick glance over your shoulder to ensure there is not a vehicle in the lane next to you. If you do see a vehicle there, stay in your lane until the vehicle has gone past and it is safe.

Recheck the Lane Ahead of You. Before making your lane change, recheck the lane ahead of you to ensure no one is reducing speed or moving into your path. Gradually move into your lane change.

If you can not make the lane change after checking your blind spot over your shoulder, cancel your maneuver and start these steps over again. Also, do not make lane changes when in an intersection. Make sure lane changes are complete before and after intersections.

Drive safe!