SAFE DRAVING

Changing lanes

You might need to change lanes on roads with more than one lane in the same direction. You may want to change lanes to overtake another vehicle, to avoid a parked vehicle or when the vehicle ahead slows to turn at an intersection.

Always give proper signal before changing lanes and ensure the move can be made safely.

Steps for changing lanes.

• Check for a space in traffic where you can enter safely.
• Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder in the direction of the lane change. Give an indicator in the direction you want to move.
• Recheck to ensure the way is clear and that no one is coming at a fast speed from behind.
• Turn steadily into the new lane.

Do not change lane suddenly by cutting in front of another vehicles. The other drivers will not be expecting your maneuver.

Avoid changes lanes unless required. Don't change lanes in or near an intersection.

Spending a few seconds behind another vehicle is often safer than going around it.

Overtaking

Overtaking is changing lanes to move past a slower vehicle.

Never overtake other vehicle unless you are absolutely sure you can do so without danger to yourself or others.

Points to consider while overtaking a vehicle:

• Use your right-turn indicator to show that you want to overtake. Check the way ahead and behind is clear before overtaking.
• Watch out for scooters or motor cycles that may be hidden from view in front of the vehicle you are about to overtake. Watch for vehicles that may be turning right in front of you.
• After overtaking, give indicator that you want to get back into the lane you started from. Change lane when you can see all the front of the vehicle you are passing in your rear view mirror. Never cut off a vehicle by suddenly moving in front of it.
• Do not race if the vehicle you are passing speeds up. Get back into your original lane.

Do not overtake within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossing. When another vehicle wants to overtake you, move to the left and let it pass. Be prepared to slow down to allow the overtaking vehicle get into your lane ahead of you. The other driver may not have anticipated the speed of the oncoming vehicle.

Overtaking at night

Be very careful when you overtake other vehicles at night.

• Switch your headlights to low beams as you approach a vehicle from behind.
• Switch your high beams on and off quickly to warn the driver ahead that you are going to overtake.
• Check your mirrors and blind spot, and pull out to overtake. As you move besides the vehicle you are overtaking, switch on your high beams so that you can see more of the road ahead. of the vehicle you are about to overtake. Watch for vehicles that may be turning right in front of you.
• When you can see all of the front of the vehicle you are overtaking in your rear view mirror, pull back into the left lane. Give indicator so the other driver knows you are getting back into the lane.

Overtaking on the left

Mostly overtaking is done on the right. Passing on the left can be more dangerous than passing on the right. You can overtake from left on multi-lane or on one-way roads or when vehicle is turning right.

If you are driving with a slower vehicle in front of you, wait for the vehicle to move to the left. Do not suddenly change lanes and pass on the left. The driver of the slower vehicle may be moving left to give way to you on the right side.