In Australia most of the highways are divided into lanes, each with visible lines indicating where your vehicle should travel and the rules you should follow while traveling. Failing to follow these guidelines can make changing lanes a dangerous affair.

Signal before the Lane Change

To prevent accidents, Signal your lane change is an important activity because it informs other road users of your intentions. It helps other drivers to adjust their speed and position to accommodate according to your manoeuvre. Timely signalling can also help reduce confusion and improve the flow of traffic.

It is very important to signal even if you think you’re the only one around. It is the unseen events that always pose the biggest danger, So you should signal long enough to provide enough warning to other drivers.

Always Check Your Rearview and Side Mirrors

Checking your rearview and side mirrors gives you a full view of the road and traffic conditions around you and also helps you to be aware of potential hazards, such as vehicles and blind spots, which you can check before making a lane change and can avoid accidents.

Failing to check your rearview and side mirrors can cause a accidents, as other vehicles may be invisible from your direct vision, so to avoid this ensure that the lane you intend to switch to is clear of other vehicles on that road.

Always Check For Blind Spots

Blind spots are areas of limited visibility and are usually caused by obstructions and other vehicles on the road. These spots can only be identified through a shoulder check. Maximum accidents happen due to drivers failing to recognise blind spots before changing lanes.

Switch Lanes

Once you’ve ensured that the lane you want to join is clear of other vehicles, and it’s time to switch lanes. Always make sure there is enough space in the lane you’re switching to. Then you can accelerate or slow down your vehicle speed as needed to match the speed of the traffic in the lane you’re moving to on that road.

Switch off Your Signals

After you have successfully switched lanes on the road, you should switch off your signals to avoid distraction for other vehicles.

Contact Defensive Driving School For Help

Having trouble changing lanes? Our team at Defensive Driving School can help. Defensive Driving Schooloffers comprehensive driving lessons as well as practical driving tips and techniques to help you become the best driver.

Our Professional Drivers will teach you to ensure you can change lanes safely on any road. To learn more, call (61) 8937 00000 or book a driving lesson online and get started. We also offer the Safer Drivers Course. This driving course allows learner drivers to acquire the right skills and drive safely once they pass their P’s test.