5.2 Changing Lanes
Changing lanes is another maneuver that is necessary, but potentially dangerous, if not completed in a safe manner. A good tool for remembering the proper tips to successfully make a lane change is S-M-O-G. In this section, we will examine what each of the steps of S-M-O-G are and how they can help you safely change lanes when driving.
S-M-O-G stands for:
S – Signal
M – Mirrors
O – Over the Shoulder
G – Go
Signal
When you are preparing to turn, you must signal 100 feet prior to your turn. If you are changing lanes, signal least five seconds before you make your move. Do not signal for longer than this, as it may confuse the drivers around you. Also, you should only use your signals when you are intending to, beginning to, or are in the process of changing lanes.
When changing lanes, always make certain that the lane you are intending to use is traveling in your direction. You will know that the lane travels in the other direction by noting the color of the lines between your lane and the adjacent lane. Yellow lines, broken or solid, denote opposite directions of travel on a two-way road.
If you cannot make a lane change safely, cancel your signal and try again later.
Mirrors
Before changing lanes, check your mirrors for vehicles that may be ready to pass you. To check your blind spots, you should also turn your head and check beside your vehicle by looking over your shoulder.
Once you have determined that it is safe, change lanes, but do not slow down. Slowing down will make the relative distance shorten drastically between you and the car in the lane you are moving in.
Without taking these necessary precautions, you could cut off or hit another vehicle, or cause another vehicle to hit you or other cars around them.
Over the Shoulder
The over the shoulder check is vital to a safe merging or lane change. Experts say there are four easy steps to a safe shoulder check that do not take our attention away from the direction of travel.
First – Begin turning by letting your eye move first. For example, if you are turning to look over your left shoulder, let your eyes move to the left first, and then your head will follow.
Second – Move your torso forward as you begin to turn your head. This will move your torso away from the back of the car seat and give you more room for rotation.
Third – Use your arms. Allow your arms to move, so that your shoulders can adjust properly to allow your head to move smoothly. This will happen in conjunction with your eyes, head, and torso moving.
Fourth – Allow yourself to breath. It requires effort to carefully look over your shoulder when making a lane change. Do not tense up your body movements by holding your breath.
GO!
When you begin your lane change, don’t stop until your vehicle has completely merged into the new lane. You must maintain your speed when changing lanes. Additionally, you should not have to speed up to make a lane change if you wait for the proper opening and avoid cutting in too closely.
Do not slow down while making a lane change. If you slow down or stop while making your lane change, you will cause the driver to your rear to slam on their brakes. They may hit the rear of your vehicle, or swerve to avoid hitting you, which could possibly cause a chain reaction collision that injures others.
Although lane changes are a regular part of driving, the California Vehicle Code dictates that a driver should attempt to drive in a single lane as much as possible. Furthermore, the driver should not move from his or her lane until it is reasonably safe to do so. (CVC 21658) This applies not only to lane changes, but also to passing another vehicle.