When is it safe to change lanes in front of another vehicle?

Question

When is it safe to change lanes in front of another vehicle?

Answer 1

a good rule of thumb is when you can see the entire front of the vehicle in your rear , not side , view mirror.

Answer 2

when you check to make sure you have adequate space and enough time to change lanes w/o hitting anyone

Answer 3

when u look in your rear view mirror and u can see the whole front end of the car behind u

Answer 4

I am assuming you're talking about multi-lane roads.

If you're going the same speed or faster than the vehicle behind you, it's safe to do so when you can see the entire vehicle in your rear-view mirror.

You also need to make sure nobody else is attempting to move into the same lane you are.

Never. under any circumstances, move in front of a large truck if you're approaching a traffic signal. If the signal changes, you'd have to stop abruptly, but the truck might not be able to. Always wait until you are past the signal before moving in front of any large vehicle.

Answer 5

I think youre supposed to leave several car lengths in between. It depends on the speed you're travelling at of course.

Answer 6

The absolute minimum is when you have one car length for each 10 kph, or 10 mph, that you are travelling at, plus one car lengths.

EG: AT 30 mph, four car lengths at 50 mph six car lengths.

Answer 7

Adjust to conditions. Its a good general rule to be sure you can see the headlights of the car you are passing in your rear-view mirror before changing lanes.

If it's raining or snowing, be sure to increase the interval between yourself and the car behind you after you've passed.

If you are on a two lane road, and traffic is moving quickly toward you but you are already fully committed to passing, getting back in sooner is still acceptable, but make sure there is some room.

If you get in a situation where you are on a two lane road and the car you are passing keeps speeding up, to prevent you from passing, just get back in behind them, there's no point making a mess for the State police just to prove something, especially when you are the greasy spot on the pavement they will have to deal with.

Answer 8

What helps me is always being aware of my surroundings. I generally know who's in front of me, and who's behind me. Granted you can't live in your mirrors, but if you use a little common sense and your mirrors you'll be fine.