Lane Changes: Mirror Checks, Blind Spots & Signaling Procedures

Changing lanes is a movement from one lane to another on roads with two or more lanes in the same direction. You may have to change lanes to overtake another vehicle, to avoid a parked vehicle or when the vehicle ahead slows to turn at an intersection.\n\nImportant Rule:\nNever change lanes without giving the proper signal and looking to make sure the move can be made safely.\n\nLane Change Steps:\n1. Check your mirrors for a space in traffic where you can enter safely\n2. Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change. Be especially careful to check for bicycles and other small vehicles\n3. Signal that you want to move left or right\n4. Check again to make sure the way is clear and that no one is coming too fast from behind or from two lanes over on a multi-lane road\n5. Steer gradually into the new lane. Do not slow down, maintain the same speed or gently increase it\n\nSafety Guidelines:\n• Never make sudden lane changes by cutting in front of another vehicle, including bicycles\n• Other drivers expect you to stay in the lane you are already in\n• Even if you signal, they expect you to yield the right-of-way\n• Avoid unnecessary lane changes or weaving from lane to lane\n• You are more likely to cause a collision, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather\n• Don't change lanes in or near an intersection\n• Remember that spending a few seconds behind another vehicle is often safer than going around it\n\nKey Principles:\n• Changing your position on the road involves changing lanes or overtaking and passing another vehicle\n• Before beginning, be sure you have enough space and time to complete the move safely\n• Lane changes require constant awareness of other traffic\n• Signal early to give other drivers time to react\n• Always check blind spots - mirrors don't show everything\n• Be especially vigilant for motorcycles and bicycles that may be hidden from view\n• Multi-lane roads require checking traffic from two lanes over\n• Maintain or slightly increase speed during lane change to match traffic flow