How do you safely change lanes on the expressway in this situation?

Question

I have trouble figuring out how to change lanes when I need to get over but there is a car relatively close in front and one pretty close behind.

What I usually do is ensure there is enough space for me to get in front of the car in the lane I'm entering and then slow down to make sure there's enough space between myself and the car in front.

The other day the person that was in the passenger seat said this is really bad to do because the person behind you could not slow down and then hit you, or that he might be upset I'm slowing down.

It makes sense that you don't want someone cutting in front of you and then slamming on the breaks, but I don't want to get in the lane and then speed up and hit the car in front of me if he slows down.

I've just recently started driving on the expressway and I'd appreciate any tips on what's the safest and correct way to do this.

Answer 1

Signal first, do NOT change speed. Usually the driver behind will make room for you. If that person is distract, coast (do NOT hit brake) to slow down a bit that let that driver overtake you, then you can merge in behind him.

One more reason you should plan your merges well ahead, at least 2 miles before you need to exit. You can't plan on everybody just letting you through.

I've also found it help to have a wide-angle mirror added to the side mirrors, BOTH SIDES. It helps you to see any one that may be merging into the space you want to merge into. Those are like $3-$5 a pair, and just stick onto your existing side mirrors with built-in adhesives. That should help cut down on a bit of merging anxiety. However, always turn your head and look one last time before merging.

Answer 2

That's close, but don't slow down to see if there's space -- actually turn your head and look!

It helps a LOT if you start trying to get in the correct lane a couple miles in advance (like 1-2 exits in advance) so you have a lot of places to choose from.  Don't force yourself into a tight space just because you're about to miss your exit. If you miss it, no big deal, not worth risking an accident over... just come back either on the freeway or on city streets.

You need to create some space ahead of you.  You have the right idea - don't like "hit the brakes", just slow very gently.  Simply lifting off the accelerator will often do this.

On speed -- you may notice it's MUCH easier to slow a car down than to speed it up.  So in merging, you're better off going slightly faster than the lane you're merging into.  You have to change speed to match their speed, plus it's easier to see the cars you're overtaking than the cars that are overtaking you!

Oh, and always use your turn signal when changing lanes! It's the law, and 9 times out of 10, the people in the other lane will help you by opening a gap.  Sometimes someone will be a %#)*^@ and close up the gap you want, but in doing so he opens a gap behind him, so you still win!  It also makes it safer because they know what you are about to do and can anticipate.

Answer 3

(Thumbs up to wiser)

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to merge. Speeding up/racing is just about always a bad idea. You can try putting your blinker on AND THEN slowing down a little, at least then the guy behind you knows that you're trying to get over that way he won't cut you off or get too mad.

Also, plan ahead. If its obvious traffic is getting heavier and you have to get off the freeway soon, merge early. Ya, it'll suck being in the slow lane for awhile, but at least you're in it and don't have to fret about merging at the last minute.

Answer 4

Oh boy, I totally agree with you about speeding up and taking the chance of hitting the car in front of you! My boyfriend drives like that and it scares the h**l out of me.

I'll be glad to share with you what I do; although it's pretty simple it does work.

As soon as you realize you want or need to get into the other lane, put on your turn signal. No need to change your speed either up or down. The drivers behind you in the other lane will usually realize you need to get over and will  most often accomodate you. It's really as simple as that...try it!

Answer 5

Signal, increase speed if possible and then change lanes.