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Careless Lane Change Accidents in South Carolina

Are More Common Than You Think, See How We Can Help!

How to Avoid Getting Hit by a Careless Lane Change on the Freeway

Even if you’re a safe driver and take good precautions on the road, other drivers might not be driving quite as carefully. Particularly when you’re driving on the freeway, the unexpected can happen and you might find yourself in a situation where you need to avoid getting hit by an unexpected and careless lane change.

Careless Lane Changing Accident

Knowing how to handle these situations can help. We’ve put together a brief explanation on how to handle a quick and unexpected lane change to help you avoid an accident.

Choosing the Right Following Distance

Choosing a safe following distance is essential to give you the time necessary to stop before hitting the car in front. Driving conditions such as rain and snow can affect the stopping distance you need, however under ideal driving conditions (a good road surface, light traffic and good weather) you can follow these general rules to ensure you leave the correct amount of time:

  • For speeds between 35 and 55 mph – 3 seconds
  • For speeds between 55 and 75 mph (or bad conditions) – 4 seconds
  • For icy or snow-covered roads – 7 – 8 seconds

Know What’s Happening Ahead and Behind

This applies particularly if you’re driving at a high speed. You might need to speed up for the car behind, but need to slow down for the car in front of you.

Be Ready for a Lane Change Just in Case

Sometimes when you’re in a lot of traffic and there is a lot of lane changing happening such as before an important or popular junction or freeway turnoff, it’s important to expect that lane change might happen. Be prepared to break quickly and be conscious that a quick lane change might occur. Simply knowing that you may need to break might help you avoid an accident.

Move Out of Danger the Car Behind you is Driving Too Close

If there is someone behind you that is too close to the rear of your car, move safely into another lane when it’s possible. A lot of multi-car accidents happen because a number of cars are tailgating when the accident happens and a chain reaction occurs.

Maintain a Similar Speed to the Traffic Around You

It’s important to maintain an awareness of the speed of the traffic around you and drive at a comfortable speed that factors in the possibility of something unexpected happening.

Drive Defensively, Not Aggressively

If you see someone wanting to change lane, slow down and provide them with the space they need to move into your lane. Sometimes, especially if you’re trying to get somewhere fast it can be tempting to not let someone in, however, they may be reacting to other traffic or a narrowing lane that you cannot see and may require a change of lane.

Be Aware of Other Drivers Blind spots

If you notice that you are driving in another driver’s blind spot, it can make sense to speed up to pass or slow down to ensure that you remain within visibility. You can never be certain that someone will know to check their blind spot so it’s essential to be aware of this, particularly with larger vehicle and trucks.

By following all of the steps above, you can significantly reduce the chance of getting into an accident. Of course, it’s also important to be aware of making good lane change manoeuvres yourself and to check both rear and side mirrors as well as indicating in good time before you change lane.