Helpful Driving Information

CHOOSING LANES

Many roads have two or more lanes going in your direction. Drive in the lane that has the smoothest flow of traffic and is less congested.
If there are only two lanes going in your direction, pick the right lane for the smoothest driving. Don't weave.

CHOOSING LANES

If you can choose among three lanes on your side of the road, pick the middle lane for the smoothest driving. Use the left lane to go faster, pass, or turn left. Use the right lane to drive slowly, enter, or turn off the road.

CHOOSING LANES

Position your vehicle to keep up with the traffic flow. If other drivers are going faster than the speed limit, slow down and move to the right. You should never exceed the legal speed limit.
Don't drive in the blind spot of another driver or drive in bunches. Try to keep other vehicles out of your blind spots.

BICYCLE LANES

Don't drive in a bike lane except when making a turn, entering or leaving an alley, private road or driveway, or when you need to cross the bike lane to park near the curb.

• When you make a right turn, check for bicyclists in your blind spot.
• You must yield to bicycles in a bike lane prior to turning across the lane.

CARPOOL LANES

Carpooling and bus riding are useful ways to save fuel and reduce the number of vehicles using highways in heavy commuter traffic. Some freeways have special lanes and on-ramps for carpools. These are also known as HOV Lanes (High Occupancy Vehicles) in some states.
The pavement of the carpool lanes is marked with the diamond symbol.

CHANGING LANES

When changing lanes, the most important thing is to wait until there is a clear gap in the traffic.
Then move safely and smoothly into the center of the desired lane, while maintaining your space in the flow of traffic so that no other vehicle is forced to slow down, speed up, or change lanes to avoid collision.

CHANGING LANES

When you change lanes, follow these steps:
1. Turn on your signal.
2. Check your mirrors.
3. Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder.
4. If it is safe, change lanes.
5. Turn off your signal after completing the lane change.

MERGING

Any time you merge with other traffic, you need a sufficient gap that will allow a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
Filter through traffic slowly. If you stop to wait until all lanes are clear, you may tie up traffic or cause an accident.

MERGING

• Don't try to squeeze into a gap that is too small. Leave yourself a big enough space cushion.
• Watch for vehicles around you. Use your mirrors and turn signals. Turn your head to look quickly to the side before changing lanes. Make sure you can stop safely if you must.
• If you have to cross several lanes, take them one at a time.