CH1 L Startup procedures

8. LANE CHANGING

Negotiating through heavy traffic on a multilane road is a difficult task even for experienced drivers. It can be daunting for beginners, especially when unfamiliar with local roads. The key is to plan the route (Point 1 in the System of Car Control) and choose the correct lane early.

Here are 5 steps to safely change lanes:

1. Check rear view mirror, the key to safely change lanes!	Observe traffic behind early, carefully. Ask, who is where, doing what, moving how fast?
2. Indicate well in advance. You're communicating to other traffic what you intend to do, not already doing!	Check for a natural gap in traffic. Indicate prior to the gap. In heavy traffic indicate, keep watch for a vehicle that facilitates your move.
3. Maintain or adjust speed. Slowing or speeding up may be in order.	Avoid slowing, unless necessary or there's no traffic behind. It may be necessary to increase speed, if there a gap ahead.
4. Check your Blindspot! (See separate chapter)	The rear-view mirror only shows who is directly behind. A vehicle, or motorcyclist, can be hidden beside/behind you.
5. Make the move.	Don’t turn the wheel rapidly or very much. It only takes a very minor adjustment on the steering wheel to smoothly change lanes.

Interacting with other traffic requires correctly adjusted mirrors.

This side mirror needs adjusting to show more of the road beside the vehicle, not the door.

After indicating to change lanes, watch for other motorists who are prepared to provide space for you. They many flash headlights, give a wave or simply hold back to create a gap for you! To indicate a lane change and then ignore a driver, who kindly lets you move over creates frustration for everyone! Misunderstandings may lead to mishaps!

Do not change lanes...

... approaching intersections, junctions. Entering traffic may collide;

... at traffic lights. If the light turns red you may find yourself halfway between lanes.

... when turning right or left or within a roundabout. (See separate chapter).

It is legal to change two or more lanes at once, after following the above procedure; if safe to do so. Extra caution is required when doing this in a three-lane road.

<<< No safety margin!

If the van slows unexpectedly, a rear end collision may occur! Leave a safety cushion all around your vehicle.

How often should you look in the mirror?

As a general guide check the rear-view mirrors every time before...

1. Changing speed (slowing or speeding up)

2. Changing direction (diverging around obstacles, lane changing)

3. Indicating (correct timing of mirror and indicator is vital)

4. Any hazard (approaching any real or potential danger).

In heavy traffic the mirrors obviously need to be checked more often than on a quiet country road; driving through a busy city centre every 3-5 seconds is advisable. Danger often comes from behind!

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Our information could vary in your part of the world. We recommend you use above information in conjunction with a professional driving instructor.