It’s funny how some seasoned drivers, and I mean drivers who have been behind the wheel for decades, still have the uneasy feeling about changing lanes or merging into heavy traffic.
If you share a lack of courage to merge, this handbook presented by auto insurance experts on how to do it without causing an accident will certainly be a welcome addition to your collection of must-read on road safety.
The correct way to merge into another lane
When is the right time to merge?
Pay attention to traffic patterns on the road. Take your time and prepare to merge early by signaling so other drivers understand your intent. Look at all of your mirrors and check your blind spot before determining the precise moment to merge. This will be when the traffic slows down enough to create enough space between you and the vehicles in front of and behind you. When there is a gap of at least twice the length of your vehicle, you can begin to move into the next lane by doubling or exceeding the speed of others on the road enough to be able to access the next lane.
What if the traffic doesn’t stop?
In case the heavy traffic does not stop and the cars are slow enough, you can communicate with the other drivers to access the lane. You can do this by using hand language or, if traffic is very slow, by rolling down the car window to ask the next driver if they will allow you to enter.
Are there exceptions to the traffic laws for the joining driver?
No way! Remember that all drivers, including the merging driver, must obey traffic laws. Traffic laws were created by legislatures to reduce the risks of collisions. In your case, this means never crossing a solid white line, yielding to others, and following posted speed limits, among other things.
Anything else I need to be careful about when merging?
When merging, keep the 2-3 second gap rule between you and the car in front of you. This helps you pull up smoothly so you don’t have to suddenly slow down, risking an accident with others behind you who may not be ready for your gear change.
What happens immediately after the merger?
Remember to turn off the signal, adjust to traffic speed, and keep the proper distance between your car and the one in front of you. Just as others have shown consideration for your situation, show the same to others who want to merge.
