Tips for Safe Lane Changes in Illinois

 Posted on July 25, 2018 in Criminal Defense

The importance of changing lanes safely should not be overlooked. Regardless of whether you are driving on a busy road or one that is less congested, you should make it a top priority to change lanes in a safe manner in order to reduce your risk of causing an accident. Here are five tips that can help you change lanes safely in Illinois:

1. Check Your Surroundings

Prior to changing lanes, use your mirrors to look around you and make sure there is enough room for your vehicle to fit into the new lane. In addition, ensure that nearby motorists are not in the process of changing lanes as well.

2. Always Use Your Turn Signals

Whenever you are going to switch lanes, turn on your turn signal, even if there are no other drivers around you. Refrain from turning on your turn signal at the last second and give drivers enough time to notice you are about to change lanes.

3. Move Slowly

Abrupt lane changes can be very dangerous. Therefore, you should change lanes slowly to avoid startling other motorists. Moving at a slow, smooth pace will reduce your risk of causing a lane change accident.

4. Remember Your Blind Spot

Turn your head and look over your shoulder to make sure there is no other motorist in the lane beside you. If you do notice a vehicle, do not change lanes until it has past you.

5. Avoid Changing Lanes at Intersections

Changing lanes at intersections is particularly dangerous. For this reason, it is essential to plan your lane changes before or after intersections where side roads, streets, or crossroads meet the road you are on.

6 Steps to a Safe Lane Change

There are six steps you should follow each and every time you change lanes. These steps include:

• Make sure there is a clear gap in traffic;
• Turn on your signal;
• Browse your mirrors;
• Look over your shoulder to check your blind spot;
• Change lanes if it is safe; and
• Turn off your signal once the lane change has been completed.

Contact Our Naperville Traffic Violation Lawyers

If you do not change lanes safely, you may cause an accident and be charged with a traffic violation. In the event this occurs, we encourage you to reach out to our experienced Naperville traffic violation lawyers today. Call us today at 630-953-3000 for a free consultation.

Source: https://driversed.com/driving-information/driving-techniques/changing-lanes.aspx