Final answer:
Changing lanes safely involves checking mirrors, signaling, checking blind spots, moving safely into the lane, and adjusting speed. When passing, one must ensure the lane is clear, signal, pass the vehicle quickly and safely, and signal before returning to the lane.
Step-by-step explanation:
When changing lanes, it is important to follow several safety steps to ensure the maneuver is completed without causing an accident:
- Check your mirrors to ensure the lane you want to move into is clear.
- Use your turn signal to indicate your intention to change lanes.
- Check your vehicle's blind spots by looking over your shoulder.
- Gradually move into the new lane when it is safe to do so.
- Adjust your speed to match the flow of traffic in the new lane.
- Turn off your turn signal once you have successfully changed lanes.
There are additional steps to follow when passing another vehicle:
- Make sure the passing lane is clear of traffic and check for any cars that might be passing you from behind.
- Use your turn signal to indicate your intention to pass.
- Speed up and pass the vehicle quickly and safely, maintaining an appropriate distance to avoid cutting off the other driver.
- Check your mirrors and ensure you have enough space to return to your lane without endangering the vehicle you have just passed.
- Use your turn signal again to indicate you are returning to your lane, and then move over when it is safe to do so.
- Adjust your speed back to the normal flow of traffic if necessary.