We found this article in MMG Insurance’s Spring 2014 Newsletter to be really informative! Many people believe that the highway traffic must move to let the merging traffic enter the highway, but the truth is, the merging vehicles must yield and be prepared to stop if there isn’t an open lane. Read these tips for more, and see the newsletter for even more great stuff.
- Always remember that if you are entering a highway you have the duty to yield the right of way to all traffic already on the highway. Too many times vehicles will get up to speed going 55-65 MPH and have no lane to merge into. Do not assume people will move over to make room for you. They may not be able to if they are boxed in by other traffic. Remember it’s your duty to stop, if necessary, until the lane is clear.
- If you see there is traffic about to merge, check for traffic around you. Although you may have the right of way, always be prepared in the event the other driver doesn’t yield the right of way to you.
- If you are already on the highway and are changing lanes to allow someone to merge, make sure the other lane is clear and there is no one in your blind spot. Just checking your mirrors is not enough. You should check in your blind spot to make sure there is no one beside and/or just behind you before changing lanes.
- Change only one lane at a time. Do not change multiple lanes in one move. Once you have moved into a lane, check again for traffic in the next lane you intend on merging into.