Changing Lanes | Steer Clear | State Farm®

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(IMAGE)
An animated red car is seen driving in an 
animated landscape. Next, two cars are seen 
driving beneath overhead signs that read
 “Through Lane” and “Appropriate Lane.” 
Then, they approach new signs, which read 
“Through Lane” and “Appropriate Lane” 
and “Through Lane.” Multiple cars change lanes 
multiple times as they go.

(Text on screen)
Changing Lanes

(Announcer: Male voice)
To avoid making unnecessary lane changes, 
know which lane is most appropriate for you 
to be traveling in. On three-lane highways, 
stay in the middle lane. This will help you avoid 
those who are getting on or off the freeway, 
and those who may want to drive 
at higher speeds than you.  
 
On two-lane highways, drive in the 
right lane. You'll move to the left lane 
to move out of the way of cars who are 
merging onto the highway. And you'll move 
to the right lane to allow cars going 
faster than you to pass.  
 
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(IMAGE)
Three lanes are seen from above, 
with several cars driving. One begins 
to signal for a lane change, and the blind spots 
are indicated. A motorcycle approaches 
from the left lane, but the car is indicated 
as having “seen” it approach. 
The car changes lanes. 
 
(Announcer: Male voice)
Know where the traffic is around you on 
the highway, especially when changing lanes. 
When preparing to change lanes, 
signal your intent to merge. 
Build up your speed to match the traffic. 
Next, check your mirrors and blind spot 
and do a head check. Side mirrors are 
important to gauge the speed of cars 
in other lanes, but always look twice 
to keep an eye out for motorcycles. 
And when all conditions are right, 
merge into an opening, leaving a large 
space cushion. Repeat the lane change 
procedures of signaling and looking over 
your shoulder in the direction you intend 
to move. Once you have passed a vehicle,
avoid slowing down to a speed lower 
than the vehicle you just passed.  

(Text on screen)
Common Errors

(IMAGE)
An overhead view of a roadway is seen. 
One car changes lanes, and an image of a 
foot on a gas pedal is seen above. 
Then the foot presses the pedal and the car 
below speeds up. Next, a car changes lanes but 
crowds the car it is passing. After that, a car 
is seen beginning to change lanes but 
hesitating and returning to its original place.  
After the traffic allows, the car changes lanes, 
but then moves too quickly into the 
right-hand lane, crowding the car it just passed.

(Announcer: Male voice) 
Here are a few common errors to be aware of 
when changing lanes on a highway. 
Newer drivers may automatically take 
their foot off the gas when trying to 
change lanes. Remember that it is important 
to stay ahead of traffic when changing 
lanes and never to cause other 
drivers to slow down.  
 
Be careful not to drift toward the vehicle 
you're passing. It may help to practice
switching lanes without 
passing vehicles at first.  
 
If you hesitate when deciding to change 
lanes and miss your opportunity to merge, 
that's OK. Wait until the next opportunity 
to avoid confusing other drivers. 
Don't move back into the new lane 
too quickly after passing another car.  
 
(IMAGE)
A car is seen passing another car. 
An image of a rear-view mirror is seen above. 
The passing car waits to move into the new 
lane until the entire passed car is seen 
in the rear-view mirror. Next, our vantage 
point is seen from inside the car, with 
the dashboard visible. The movements 
of the wheel are seen, including over steering. 
Then an overhead view is seen, 
and the passing car’s visible areas 
are indicated. The car turns erratically 
and incorrectly.

(Announcer: Male voice)
For safe spacing, be sure you can see 
the entire vehicle you passed in your
rear view mirror before getting 
back into their lane.  
 
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(Announcer: Male voice)
When changing lanes, make sure 
not to over steer. You're not turning the wheel, 
just making a minor movement of the wheel. 
Also, be sure you don't turn the wheel when 
you are looking in the blind spot. 
You should feel comfortable changing 
lanes on neighborhood roads before 
attempting it on more congested 
roads and highways.  
 
Some new drivers have a tendency 
to turn the wheel as their head turns. 
It's also common for new drivers 
to look in their blind spot, but not 
recognize the danger. 

(IMAGE)
A car is seen driving in the middle lane. 
A thought balloon reads “Blue” and 
the car is seen in an image of a side mirror. 
Then the blue car is seen driving past. 
Signs appear overhead: “Through Lane” 
and “Through Lane” and “Your Exit.” 
Three question marks appear above the car, 
and then it moves over and takes 
what is marked as “Second Exit.”

(Announcer: Male voice)
It's a good habit to know the color 
of the car, so you can keep track of 
the other car's movement. It's important 
that you be able to judge how fast cars 
are going in the other lane. 
Be extra cautious. When you're in doubt, 
wait for another opportunity 
to make the change, even if it causes 
you to miss your turn. It's far better 
to be safe, but arrive a little late 
to your destination.  
 
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