Full Notification

Everyone understands that making a “bad move” or unsafe lane change may result in an accident.  This bad move may be as simple as changing lanes without signaling, signaling after you have begun the lane change or failing to see a vehicle in your “blind spot”.  A “bad move” or unsafe lane change may also involve changing lanes in poor weather conditions or braking for the vehicle in front of you and needing to make a sudden unsafe lane change in order to not strike that vehicle.

 

In any case, as we continue to attempt to prevent accidents within our community, some simple tips may prevent you from being involved in an accident that involves lane changes.

 

First, use your rearview and side views mirrors, but also look over your left and right shoulder to make sure no one is in your blind spot before making the lane change.

 

Second, excessive traffic combined with poor weather conditions is not the time to make lane changes.  Proceed with caution in your lane of traffic, ensure enough distance between vehicles, and have patience – you will get where you are going!

 

Third, always use your blinkers or turn signals.  Get in the habit of using them all the time even when there isn’t another vehicle present – it is a good habit.

 

Fourth, only change one lane at a time.

 

Fifth, do not speed up to change lanes.

 

Sixth, do not cut motorists off changing lanes (where do you think road rage starts….).

 

Seventh, do not change lanes in an intersection or when approaching an intersection.  Wait until you are past the intersection to make your decision.

  

So, let’s make “good moves” together and utilize these tips to prevent these types of accidents within our community.    In regards to the current number of accidents, this year compared to last year at this time – 2018 had 431, 2019 has 447.  Let’s put the “brakes on” accidents and “drive” that number down!