When driving on a highway or even on an interior road, you should always remember traffic rules. Drivers can get into an accident if they are not alert to their surroundings. It’s so easy to get into a fender bender if you don’t check the lanes next to you and simply change into those lanes. Don’t let these accidents happen to you.

When changing lanes, you should always make sure that you and your passengers are safe. Remember the following guidelines and make them your habit.

Stay on your lane as much as possible.

Don’t change lanes too often. Weaving in and out of traffic can be a sign of reckless driving and may get you in trouble. Traffic police may stop you and issue a ticket. Besides, that is a stressful way to drive! Plan for your trip in advance and make allowances for traffic. Leave your house early especially if you expect some heavy traffic along the way.

Consult Google Maps or Waze for the best route if you want to avoid traffic.

Follow the rules for road markings.

You cannot always change lanes. You can change lanes if the road has white broken lines. If the line is solid white, solid yellow, or there’s a double line, then you cannot cross into the other lane. This is especially important if you are in a road that

Stay on or under the speed limit.

Speed limits are posted to keep you and other travelers safe. If you’re planning to pass a slower vehicle, check your speedometer to make sure you are in a safe speed to do so. Sometimes, you may already be on the speed limit and there’s nothing wrong in traveling at the same speed with the other vehicles on the road.

Check if the lane you plan to move onto is clear.

Look at your side mirror and rear view mirror to make sure that the lane is open. It also helps to check your blind spot. This is the area that the mirror cannot show because of proximity. You should also check if the car behind you is planning to move to the same lane.

In some instances on the highway, a vehicle two lanes away from you may be moving to the same lane you want to be in. Look and make sure that the lane is open and clear. It is always safer to move to the left lane to pass a slower moving vehicle.

Use your turn signals or blinkers.

Before moving to the left lane, use your blinkers. That will broadcast your intention to the cars before and behind you. Use your blinkers at least 10 seconds before you move to a lane. This gives enough time for the cars around you to know your intention.

Turn off your left blinkers once you move onto the passing lane. Before you return to the right lane, engage your turn signals again. Once back in your lane, then turn off your blinkers once more.

Drive Safely!

The bottom line is that you should drive safely for your sake, your passengers’, and for everyone else using the roads.