Chandigarh: The Traffic Police has outlined a set of guidelines for drivers to follow in order to change lanes safely. Here are the detailed steps:
Maintain your lane: The first step to changing lanes is to ensure that you are driving in your designated lane. Do not straddle the lane lines as it could result in confusion for other drivers and increase the risk of an accident.
Signal your intention: The next step is to signal your intention to change lanes. This can be done by using your left or right indicator, depending on the direction in which you intend to move. Be sure to give the signal well in advance so that other drivers have enough time to adjust their speed and distance.
Conduct safety checks: Before you change lanes, it is important to check your ORVMs (Outside Rear Side View Mirrors) and do a shoulder check to ensure that there are no blind spots. Ensure that there is a safe distance between your vehicle and others before maneuvering to change lanes.
Avoid sharp turns: While changing lanes, avoid making any sudden, sharp turns. Gradual turns will provide other drivers with ample time to respond to your actions and reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Change lanes in advance: It is recommended to change lanes at least 300 meters before any approaching roundabout or intersection. This gives other drivers enough time to adjust their speed and position accordingly.
Do not change lanes on solid road markings: It is important to avoid changing lanes on solid road markings near approaching roundabouts or intersections. Doing so could result in a violation of traffic rules and cause confusion for other drivers.
Maintain your lane in roundabouts or intersections: When maneuvering through a roundabout or intersection, maintain your vehicle within your lane and use the appropriate indicator to signal your intention. This will help other drivers to anticipate your movements and avoid any collisions.
Turn off the indicator: Finally, after changing lanes, it is important to turn off the indicator. This will prevent other drivers from being misled by a blinking indicator and reduce the likelihood of an accident.
By following these guidelines, drivers can change lanes safely and avoid the risk of accidents.
