Advice needed on changing lanes?

Question

I have been driving for about 6 months and have become decent driver. However, there is one thing I always struggled at which is changing lanes.
I either change the lane too fast or too late. I got honked by few cars because of that.
Recently, I started using my own "70 feet" rule which means I only change the lanes when the cars on the lane I am changing to, are at least 70 ft. behind me. It seems to work for a moment.
Could anyone advise on how to change the lanes at the right time, especially on the highway? How do you recognize the best timing to make the lane change?
Thanks in advance for insights.

Answer 1

A. you need to have some BALLS to get into that lane...make it a firm decision thta you ARE going to be in that lane.
B. Don't cut people off, this means oyu've gotten into the lane TOO LATE. this you will get the finger and a honk.
C. use your blinker it helps....that way people know you're coming into their lane.
D. Know your car size.....get very comfortable with how much room you have in front and back.

Answer 2

This is tough because no one obeys the 1 car length for every 10m.p.h. rule. Your choice of distance 70 feet is not bad. Be sure to use your turn signal to show your intention (not what you have already done) even though most people will ignore it anyway. Use your mirrors faithfully and determine if you have any blind spots that you need to allow for. Outside mirrors are supposed to be properly set so that only the very edge of your vehicle shows as a point of reference. If you drive a truck, van or panel truck no part of your vehicle should be visible in the mirrors. Try to avoid lane changes in areas where there is other merging traffic like interchanges and ramps. If you have the option - never change into a lane with a fast moving vehicle as you may incite a case of road rage (like people need a reason these days). Good Luck and keep trying to do it right.

Answer 3

Your mom's correct. When driving don't get in a hurry, always try to keep a safe distance between you and the car in front. A good rule of thumb is 5 seconds(six or more if the road is wet). When in multiple lanes with heavy traffic it is near impossible to do, but try to keep a safe distance. Don't ever let yourself get boxed in, try to keep people from driving beside you. When you do need to change lanes, check your mirrors (which you should be doing ever 8-10 seconds anyway), look over your shoulder. Keep in mind most cars do have a blind spot at about the rear tire so any car there may not be in the mirror. If you have room make sure there aren't any cars speeding that you will change lanes into. With your signal on for 3 seconds or so and after checking, change lanes. It should take you no longer than 4 seconds to do it. A good rule of thumb I live by is," every one on the road is trying to hit me." Drive like that and you will be safe.

Answer 4

personally I just put the turn signal on to which side I'll be going into and look in the mirror and if there is no car next to me I change lanes roughly 40 feet of clear space I'd say should be good unless you see the car coming up in that lane much faster then you are going. Also try not to lose speed during the lane change that makes people honk alot too but I say if they wanna honk let them atleast you didn't hit them

Answer 5

Ideally, you should change lanes when it can be done while preserving safe following distance. Rule of thumb: 1 second for
every 10 miles per hour. In the real world, people don't drive the way the manual says they should. Personally, I try to see whether the other driver is attentive in my direction, eye contact is best. Also, if the difference in your speed is small, you are less
likely to surprise the other driver. People honking at you doesn't mean you did it wrong. Some just resent another car getting in front of them. I suggest learning the "Smith System for driver
improvement" at www.smith-system.com it is a training system for professional drivers. It doesn't specifically answer your
question but it trains you to be a safe driver. (I don't work for them but I did take the course.)

Answer 6

I drive in Chicago with some of the worst traffic in the country. Number one thing, avoid changing lanes into a lane where you are driving slower than the person you are pulling in front of unless it is the right-most lane. When making your change, don't doddle, get over when its safe, be decisive. Be safe first. Always keep a watch using your mirrors as to who's around you so you can make your changes with confidence that you are making the right decisions at the right time. Also, my biggest pet peave is when a young driver speeds up beside me, pulls in front of me (right lane) and makes an immediate right turn. Nothing drives me nuts more than having to stand on my brakes because of a poor decision. Hope this helps.

Answer 7

1. Decide which lane to change to - on the left or on the right.
2. Spend one second looking at the rear view mirror and one second on the left/right mirror.
3. Turn and look directly at the space behind your car in the lane you want to change to.
4. For #2 and #3 above, judge the speed at which any vehicles are approaching the space alongside you.
5. Based on information from #2, #3, #4 above, decide whether you want to change your lane.
6. If you decide to change your lane, signal.
7. Gently turn the steering wheel to change into your desired lane.

Answer 8

i imagine you're very astute to admit the precedence. enable's see,,,, replacing lanes can be a difficulty even for the superb drivers. On a 4-lane street (median strip or not) the steps you want to carry close for going from good lane to left lane are those. #a million. verify on your rear view mirrors (interior and outdoors) for any visable site visitors. also supply a short look over your left shoulder to study the blind spot. #2. If each little thing is sparkling, use your left turn signal to point a turn to the left. #3. gently bypass from the right lane to the left lane. #4. turn off the turn signal. Going from left lane to good lane is somewhat harder. Do the same steps yet use your interior rear view reflect and the exterior good reflect. remember to study over your good shoulder. The 'blind spot for viewing is larger for this lane replace so make confident that issues are sparkling. once you ultimately end up truly on my own, you may practice those lane adjustments. it isn't an excellent theory to coach at the same time as there is site visitors with you. under no circumstances as a passenger for suggestion appropriate to site visitors. Their view isn't like yours. what's very well to them would nicely be an twist of destiny waiting to take position.

Answer 9

Use your turn signals and try the 65/70 foot rule...sounds good to me ......the big problem is that the driver behind you in the lane that you want to be in has an attitude and thinks that he/she/it OWNS that space and they are not willing to give this space to another vehicle-----you are doing the right stuff and it sounds to me that you are a courteous driver ____keep that good outlook and you'll be fine with a little more time behind the wheel ..........drive slow and avoid an accident............wc

Answer 10

Good for you to want to better yourself in driving. PLEASE spread your enthusiasm to those who don't want to try! I wait until I can fully see the automobile and not the driver behind me. Since I do not have a ruler to measure 70 feet - that's what I go by. I've been driving since I was 16 and now I'm 45. It has worked thus far. Good luck! HEY! Be sure and signal - people that don't - cause accidents. Other drivers do NOT have ESP!