In Michigan, making an unsafe lane change – like moving into an occupied lane without thoroughly checking or passing without ensuring oncoming traffic is clear – can lead to a devastating car accident in an instant. These preventable errors are a primary cause of collisions on our roads.
What Exactly is an Unsafe Lane Change?
An unsafe lane change happens when a driver moves their vehicle from one lane to another without proper care and attention. This includes:
- Failing to check blind spots: Not physically turning your head to look where mirrors don’t show.
- Not signaling or signaling too late: Failing to use a turn signal before starting the lane change, or only signaling as the maneuver begins.
- Swerving suddenly: Making an abrupt move into another lane.
- Cutting off another vehicle: Moving into a lane so closely that the car behind is forced to brake hard to avoid a rear-end collision.
- Misjudging speed or distance: Changing lanes too quickly for current road conditions (like rain or snow) or for the size and handling of the vehicle being driven.
Essentially, any lane change behavior that disregards the presence and safety of other road users and could lead to a crash is considered an unsafe lane change.
Common Examples of Unsafe Lane Changes Leading to Accidents
Driver error is almost always the cause of an unsafe lane change. Specific examples include:
- Failing to see a vehicle in the adjacent lane before moving over.
- Neglecting to check for oncoming traffic when attempting to pass another vehicle on a two-lane road.
- Not using a turn signal, or activating it only after already starting the unsafe lane change.
- Drifting or straddling between two lanes for an extended period.
- Merging onto a highway without yielding the right-of-way to traffic already in the lane.
- Making an unsafe lane change near or within an intersection.
These actions frequently result in sideswipes, angle collisions, or cause other drivers to lose control, sometimes leading to severe injuries, particularly for vulnerable road users like those in motorcycle accidents who may be unseen or cut off.
How to Prevent an Unsafe Lane Change and Drive Safely
Preventing an unsafe lane change is straightforward with attentive driving and adherence to basic road rules. It’s about making a safe lane change, not a risky one.
Key Practices:
- Always Check Your Surroundings:
- Use your mirrors: Regularly scan your rearview and side mirrors.
- Check your blind spots: Always physically turn your head and look over your shoulder in the direction you intend to move. Mirrors alone are not enough.
- Be extra cautious in heavy traffic or poor weather conditions (rain, snow, fog), as visibility can be reduced.
- Signal Your Intentions Clearly and Early:
- Always use your turn signal well before you begin to change lanes. This gives other drivers time to react.
- Consider Vehicle Size and Technology:
- If you drive a semi-tractor trailer or other large vehicle with significant blind spots, ensure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate mirrors (like convex mirrors, based on NHTSA visibility research) or blind-spot monitoring technologies.
- Many newer cars and trucks come with driver assistance sensor technologies like blind-spot warnings or lane-keep assist, which can help prevent an unsafe lane change.
Rules for Safe Lane Changing:
- Always use your turn signals before every lane change.
- Change only one lane at a time. Avoid multiple lane changes in a single maneuver.
- Never change lanes over a solid line. Solid lines indicate that lane changes are prohibited or unsafe.
- Don’t speed up excessively just to change lanes.
- Ensure there’s enough space: Don’t cut off other drivers. Make sure there is ample room for your vehicle in the new lane.
- Avoid changing lanes in or immediately before an intersection. This is a common spot for collisions.
Applying these defensive driving tips and your knowledge of road rules will significantly reduce your risk of causing or being involved in a preventable unsafe lane change accident. An unsafe lane change can also force a driver to swerve, potentially leading to other incidents, including pedestrian accidents if the vehicle leaves the roadway.
Injured by an Unsafe Lane Change in Michigan? We Can Help.
If another driver’s unsafe lane change caused your accident and injuries, you may be entitled to compensation. Our personal injury lawyers at The Joseph Dedvukaj Firm have decades of experience helping victims of auto accidents caused by negligent drivers. We understand how to investigate these crashes, prove fault, and fight for the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call us now toll-free at 1-866-HIRE-JOE for a reliable and free consultation to get your case started.