One of the most common, yet potentially hazardous, driving maneuvers is the lane change. Whether you're commuting through rush hour traffic in the Lower Mainland or embarking on a weekend drive to the Okanagan, mastering safe lane-changing techniques is essential for the safety of yourself and other road users. Let’s look at some practical steps to ensure your lane changes are smooth, predictable, and safe.
1. Adjust Your Mirrors
Before you begin driving, take a moment to ensure your mirrors are properly adjusted. This step minimizes blind spots and maximizes your field of vision. Start with your rearview mirror, positioning it to provide a clear and unobstructed view of the traffic directly behind you. Next, adjust your side mirrors.
The goal is to minimize the overlap between what you see in your side mirrors and your rearview mirror, reducing blind spots. A common technique is to adjust the side mirrors so that you can just barely see the side of your own vehicle in the inner edge of the mirror. This provides a wider view of the surrounding traffic.
2. Minimize Distractions
Distracted driving is a significant contributor to accidents, especially when changing lanes. Refrain from using mobile phones or other electronic devices while driving. Avoid eating, drinking, or engaging in other activities that could divert your attention from the road. Even adjusting the radio or climate controls can be distracting, so do these tasks before you begin driving, or while stopped. Focus on the task of driving
3. Maintain Situational Awareness
Remain aware of your surroundings, beside, behind you, and further ahead. This awareness allows you to anticipate potential hazards and make informed decisions when changing lanes. Pay attention to the behaviour of other drivers, as well as any pedestrians or cyclists who may be present. Watch for drivers speeding or driving slowly, drivers changing lanes frequently, and those driving slowly in the left lane, as these behaviours will factor into whether it is safe to change lanes. Be aware of road conditions, such as upcoming curves, construction zones, or weather changes. For example, knowing that a construction zone is upcoming on Highway 1 can allow you to get into the correct lane well in advance.
4. Plan Ahead
Position yourself in the appropriate lane well in advance of your intended turn or exit. This proactive approach eliminates the need for last-minute, stressful lane changes, particularly on congested routes such as the approaches to the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing. Watch for the green signs indicating upcoming exits. It's often safer to move into the exit lane earlier, even if it means slowing slightly or being behind another vehicle, than to attempt to pass one more car and then make a last-minute lane change. Anticipating your route and lane changes will allow you to drive in a more relaxed and controlled manner.
5. Assess Traffic Conditions
Before committing to a lane change, carefully evaluate the traffic flow in the target lane and the lane you are leaving. Check for vehicles approaching from behind in both lanes. Judge the speed and distance of approaching vehicles to ensure there is ample space for you to merge safely. Don't assume that other drivers will automatically slow down or create space for you. If you are merging onto a highway from an on-ramp, such as the often-busy Highway 1 exits, ensure you match the speed of the existing traffic flow before attempting to merge.
Once you are ready to make a lane change, assessing the immediate traffic in your desired lane should be done with a mirror check. Look into the rear-view mirror to watch for vehicles moving from behind you into the desired lane
6. Signal Your Intentions
Now that you have completed a mirror check, assessed the traffic and determined there is a safe gap to enter, activate your turn signal to communicate your intention to move. Signal a few seconds before you begin your maneuver, clearly indicating your immediate plan. Avoid signalling too far in advance. This timing prevents other drivers from becoming confused about your intentions, especially in situations where multiple turns or lane changes are possible. Cancel the signal once you have fully entered the new lane as leaving your signal on can confuse other drivers, particularly in complex intersections or multi-lane highways.
The turn signal is meant to alleviate confusion, not create confusion, so keep this in mind when utilizing it!
7. Shoulder Check
Even with diligent mirror checks, blind spots can still conceal other road users, especially cyclists or motorcyclists. Therefore, after activating your turn signal, perform a shoulder check. This involves a glance over your shoulder towards the direction of your intended lane change. This action provides a direct visual confirmation of any vehicles or other road users that may be hidden in your blind spot. This is especially useful on roads with dedicated bicycle lanes, such as those in major cities like Surrey, Langley, and Abbotsford.
8. Smooth Maneuvers
Execute lane changes smoothly and gradually. Avoid sudden or jerky movements, as these can startle other drivers and increase the risk of collisions. Steer gently and maintain a consistent speed while changing lanes. If you are driving in wet or icy conditions, such as those often found on the Coquihalla or Sea to Sky highways, even more care is required to ensure a smooth transition.
9. Adhere to Speed Limits
Observe posted speed limits when changing lanes. This provides you with sufficient time to react to unexpected situations and execute safe maneuvers. Driving too slowly can also be hazardous, as it can disrupt the flow of traffic and create opportunities for collisions. Try to match the speed of surrounding traffic, while still adhering to the posted speed limit.
10. Patience is a Virtue
There may be instances where an immediate lane change is not feasible due to heavy traffic or other road conditions. In such cases, be patient and wait for a safe and opportune moment to proceed. Don't force a lane change if it feels unsafe - it's better to miss your exit or turn than to cause an accident. Arriving safely is more important than arriving on time.
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Safe lane changing is a skill that improves with practice and mindful application of these principles. Whether you're navigating the busy corridors of Highway 1 or the winding curves of the Fraser Canyon, these tips will help you drive with confidence and contribute to a safer driving environment for everyone.
For more insights on safe driving practices, be sure to check out our other articles, including The Benefits of Defensive Driving for New Drivers and 5 Best Practices for Safe Freeway Driving.
