How To Change Lanes Safely
Most roads in Australia are divided into lanes, each clearly marked with lines indicating where your vehicle should travel and the rules to follow. Ignoring these rules can make changing lanes a risky endeavour.
In this article, we’ll provide tips and rules for changing lanes safely, whether you want to refresh your driving skills or prepare for your driving test. Following the proper techniques and road rules can help prevent accidents and ensure a smooth driving experience. Here are some essential steps to help you change lanes safely.
Tips for Changing Lanes Safely In Australia
Signal the Lane Change
Signalling your lane change is crucial as it informs other road users of your intentions, helping to prevent accidents. It allows other drivers to adjust their speed and position to accommodate your manoeuvre, reducing confusion and improving the flow of traffic.
Always signal, even if you think you’re alone on the road. Unseen events often pose the greatest danger. Ensure you signal long enough to give adequate warning to other drivers.
Check Your Rearview & Side Mirrors
Checking your rearview and side mirrors gives you a comprehensive view of the road and traffic conditions around you. This helps you be aware of potential hazards, such as other vehicles and blind spots, which you should check before making a lane change.
Failing to check your mirrors can lead to collisions, as other vehicles may be out of your direct line of sight. Make sure the lane you intend to switch to is clear of vehicles and obstacles.
Check for Blind Spots
Blind spots are areas of limited visibility caused by obstructions. These spots can only be seen through a shoulder check. Many accidents occur due to drivers failing to recognise blind spots before changing lanes.
Checking your blind spots before changing lanes ensures safety for you and other road users. Ensure no obstacles are in the way before making a lane change. Additionally, avoid staying in another driver’s blind spot unless you’re quickly overtaking.
Switch Lanes
Once you’ve ensured that the lane you want to join is clear of obstacles, it’s time to switch lanes. Ensure there is enough space in the lane you’re moving to, then accelerate or slow down as needed to match the speed of the traffic in that lane. There’s no need to rush; the goal is to make a safe lane change, so do it smoothly and gradually.
Switch Off Your Signals
After successfully switching lanes, switch off your signals. Failing to do this can cause unnecessary confusion for other road users.
Contact LTrent Driving School for Help
Having trouble changing lanes? The instructors from LTrent Driving School can help. We offer comprehensive driving lessons and practical driving techniques to help you become a better driver.
Our instructors will work with you to ensure you can change lanes safely on any road. To learn more, call 02 8748 4500 or book a driving lesson online and get started. We also offer the Safer Drivers Course. This course allows NSW learner drivers under the age of 25 to acquire the right skills and drive safely once they pass their P’s test.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to indicate before changing lanes?
It is recommended that you indicate for at least 3 to 5 seconds before changing lanes. This allows enough time for the drivers around to notice your intention to change lanes, so you do so safely.