Changing lanes and moving off in traffic

Hana98

When changing lanes for example to right lane do you check middle, right mirror and blindspot, indicate, go into lane and then if turning right after that you check middle and right mirror?
Also, if you're waiting at traffic lights or not moving in traffic, do you check all mirrors and then move off?

Dravokivich

Hana98 wrote: »

When changing lanes for example to right lane do you check middle, right mirror and blindspot, indicate, go into lane and then if turning right after that you check middle and right mirror?
Also, if you're waiting at traffic lights or not moving in traffic, do you check all mirrors and then move off?

You're asking a few questions there all bunched up into one.

1- When changing lanes for example to right lane do you check middle, right mirror and blindspot, indicate, go into lane

* I check Rear View mirror to see what's behind me.
* Right wing mirror to see what's beside me, or in that lane.
* Indicate
* I'd glance to my right, to be sure anything I see in my right wing mirror isn't too close to me.
* If I've room and it appears safe to do so, I'd switch lanes.

2- if turning right after that you check middle and right mirror?

* Essentially the same as above. Just be weary of someone who may attempt to over take you, even though you intend to turn right at a junction.
* Prior to slowing down you should always look at what's behind you.

3- Also, if you're waiting at traffic lights or not moving in traffic, do you check all mirrors and then move off?


* Just because you are stationary, doesn't mean what's around you is.
* I always check mirrors while stopped and prior to starting off to look out for movement not limited to, but such as;
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Motorbikes

Hana98

Thanks. I wasn't really sure if you were supposed to check blindspot.

Dravokivich

My driving instructor often advised of the need for 360 observation. You've to look out for yourself first and foremost. Don't expect anyone else to do it for you.

Del2005

Hana98 wrote: »

Thanks. I wasn't really sure if you were supposed to check blindspot.

Of course you need to check the blind spot every time you change lanes, depending on the car there could be anything from a motorbike to an artic in your blind spot.

Dravokivich

Should also note, the blind spots aren't just behind you. The A-pillar can be an obstruction to your view as well. I do a lot of driving in a yaris and regularly trying to look around it, because it takes up so much of my view.