Changing Lanes Safely

These tips may seem obvious, but as we all know, sometimes it's easy for drivers to develop bad habits when they spend a lot of time behind the wheel.

• Make sure, by glancing in your rearview and sideview mirrors that no one is preparing to pass you. Give a proper turn signal showing your intentions.
• Glance over your shoulder to check for traffic near the left or right rear corners of your vehicle. These areas are called "blind spots" because you cannot see them through your mirrors. 
• Also, glance in your left sideview mirror when you are preparing to change lanes or pull onto the roadway. This will allow you to keep an eye on traffic behind and ahead of you at the same time. Check over your left shoulder just before you change lanes. To avoid a collision on a multi-lane road, check the other lanes to see if another driver plans to move into the same spot you do. 
• Try to avoid slowing down suddenly. If you are forced to slow quickly, check behind you to see if other drivers are following close to you. By doing this, you may prevent a rear-end collision.