Safe Lane Changing Driving Guidelines

Aug 5, 2024

Safe Lane Changing in Driving

Importance of Lane Changing

  • Necessary for passing parked cars or overtaking.
  • Requires good judgment of traffic speed and position.
  • More challenging in heavy traffic or unfamiliar areas.

MSM Routine

  • MSM stands for: Mirror, Signal, Maneuver.
  • Following this routine helps ensure safety.

Steps of MSM Routine:

  1. Mirror:

    • Check center and right mirrors for traffic.
    • Look long enough to gauge speed and position of nearby vehicles.
    • Avoid quick glances if traffic is present.
  2. Signal:

    • Use indicators to inform other drivers of your intention.
    • Indicate for a few seconds before changing lanes to give others time to react.
    • Always signal, even if you think there are no nearby vehicles (consider blind spots).
  3. Maneuver:

    • Smoothly steer into the new lane (avoid swerving).
    • Cancel indicator manually after the maneuver if it doesn’t cancel automatically.

Overtaking on Dual Carriageways

  • Check if overtaking is necessary, especially near planned exits.
  • Spot a safe gap, check mirrors, signal, and smoothly steer into the overtaking lane.
  • Increase speed to pass the slower vehicle.
  • Signal left and return to the original lane after overtaking.

Roundabouts

  • When approaching a roundabout, check safety to move to the outer lane before exiting.
  • Follow the MSM routine to confirm the outer lane is clear.
  • If a vehicle is alongside, stay in your lane until it is safe to change.

General Tips for Lane Changes

  • Anticipate lane changes early to allow ample time.
  • Changing lanes quickly or without proper observation is dangerous.
  • If a safe lane change isn't possible, continue on the current path; a short detour is acceptable.

Summary of Safe Lane Changing

  • Check mirrors for nearby vehicles.
  • Perform shoulder checks for blind spots.
  • Signal intentions clearly.
  • Change lanes smoothly and confidently.