Changing lanes is a fundamental aspect of driving, yet it also ranks among the primary causes of automotive accidents in Canada, often leading to catastrophic consequences.
In 2022, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) responded to a staggering 9,110 collisions involving commercial trucks—the highest number of such incidents on OPP-patrolled roads in more than a decade.
According to the OPP, the main factors contributing to these collisions were excessive speed, insufficient following distance, and improper lane changes. Executing lane changes safely is crucial, especially when operating large commercial vehicles or navigating multi-lane highways.
Most drivers do not change lanes with the intention of causing an accident, but certain situations may lead to unsafe lane changes. Weaving between lanes on multi-lane highways significantly increases the likelihood of motor vehicle collisions. Sharing the road responsibly with other motorists is essential for everyone’s well-being.
One way to achieve this is by adhering to proper lane-changing techniques. This article provides tips to avoid unsafe lane changes on multi-lane highways. We also examine what constitutes hazardous lane changes under the law and the potential repercussions of engaging in such behavior.
Key Points
- Unsafe lane change accidents frequently occur on multi-lane highways due to higher speeds.
- Accidents resulting from unsafe lane changes can have devastating consequences, such as severe injuries, financial losses, or fatalities.
- Planning your route, especially when unfamiliar with the area, can help prevent sudden and risky lane changes.
The Significance of Safe Lane Changes on Multi-Lane Highways
Lane changing refers to the act of moving a motor vehicle from one lane to another on roads with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction. Motorists may switch lanes for various reasons, generally categorized as discretionary and mandatory lane changes.
A discretionary lane change occurs when a driver moves their vehicle to a lane they believe offers better traffic conditions. Common examples include overtaking another vehicle or avoiding a parked vehicle or obstruction. Conversely, a mandatory lane change involves moving to an exit lane or yielding the right-of-way to another vehicle.
Lane changing is prevalent on multi-lane highways and local streets. However, unsafe lane changes on multi-lane roads can increase the risk of collisions and jeopardize the safety of all road users.
Considering the inherent dangers of multi-lane highways, safe lane changes are paramount. Proper lane changes help maintain traffic flow, allowing drivers to transition between lanes without causing sudden stops or slowdowns.
Moreover, safe lane changes enhance the predictability of driver behavior by signaling the driver’s intentions. This enables other road users to anticipate their movements, ultimately minimizing the risk of collisions.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by an unsafe lane change, it is essential to consult with the experienced attorneys at Injury Lawyer For Car Accident. Our dedicated team can help you navigate the complexities of your case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Repercussions When Drivers Fail to Make Safe Lane Changes
When a motorist abruptly or improperly changes lanes, other drivers may be compelled to react in hazardous ways. Here are some of the potential ramifications when drivers fail to execute safe lane changes:
Various types of motor vehicle collisions
Unsafe lane changes can occur in different ways, such as changing lanes without using proper signals or neglecting to check blind spots before moving to the adjacent lane.
Changing lanes in an unsafe manner can catch other motorists off guard, forcing them to swerve or brake suddenly to avoid a collision. These unexpected maneuvers can lead to various types of accidents.
There is limited data available on crashes specifically related to unsafe lane changes. However, generally speaking, unsafe lane changes leave nearby motorists with little to no opportunity to avoid the following types of collisions:
- Sideswipe collisions: A sideswipe collision occurs when the side of one vehicle makes contact with the side of another vehicle while both are traveling in adjacent lanes. This often happens when a driver fails to check their blind spot before changing lanes.
- Head-on collisions: When two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide directly from the front, it results in a head-on collision. Disregarding oncoming traffic when passing another vehicle or merging into a different lane increases the likelihood of a head-on collision.
- Rollover accidents: An abrupt, high-speed lane change can cause a vehicle to veer out of control and roll over. In some cases, a driver merging into a different lane may have second thoughts at the last moment and steer sharply in the opposite direction to correct their maneuver. This sudden change can cause the tires to lose traction, leading the vehicle to tip sideways and flip over.
- Rear-end collisions: A driver who changes lanes without checking their blind spots may unexpectedly cut off another motorist in the adjacent lane, resulting in a rear-end collision.
Traffic citations and other penalties
While changing lanes is not inherently illegal, it becomes a ticketable offense when done in an unsafe manner. Improper lane changes can have serious consequences, as they can lead to collisions that may cause severe injuries.
Each province or territory has its own laws regarding safe lane changes. However, the most immediate consequence of an unsafe lane change is typically a traffic citation.
Even if you don’t cause an accident, you may still receive a ticket for an unsafe lane change. If you choose not to contest the ticket, you can resolve the violation by paying the fine.
Fines for making an unsafe lane change may vary depending on the laws of the province or territory. For example, in Ontario, an unsafe lane change can result in a fine of $85 plus a victim fine surcharge of $25, while British Columbia imposes a fine of $109.
In addition to fines, drivers who receive tickets for improper lane changes may also accumulate demerit points on their driver’s license. Demerit points are automatically assigned if you are convicted of a driving offense in any jurisdiction in Canada.
Typically, demerit points range from two points for minor traffic convictions to six points for more serious offenses. Your driver’s license can be suspended once you reach the maximum allowed demerit points. These points remain on your driving record for two to three years from the date of the incident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by an unsafe lane change, it is crucial to consult with the knowledgeable attorneys at Injury Lawyer For Car Accident. Our experienced team can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Elevated insurance premiums
A citation for an improper lane change is generally viewed as a minor offense. However, multiple offenses on your driving record can lead to increased insurance premiums. For instance, in Ontario, you may face a 20 percent increase for two or more convictions on a minor driving ticket, with an additional 20 percent for each subsequent conviction.
Similarly, accumulating demerit points does not directly raise your insurance premiums. However, when your points reach 9 to 14, there is a higher likelihood of your driver’s license being suspended. This suspension can result in increased insurance premiums, as it signifies a greater risk to insurance providers.
Responsibility for injuries and losses
The individual who caused the lane change accident is typically liable for the injuries and losses resulting from the collision. While the rules for determining liability may differ across provinces, driver negligence is a common factor in fault determinations.
Negligence law in Canada is primarily based on common law principles. If you can demonstrate that your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligence, that party will be required to compensate you for your losses.
Every motorist has a duty of care to other road users and a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely and adhere to traffic laws. However, drivers can breach this duty and cause an accident by violating traffic laws, such as making an unsafe lane change.
Most provinces in Canada have a no-fault auto insurance system, which means that regardless of who was at fault, each motorist will settle their claim with their own insurance company. As a result, a person injured in a car accident does not need to sue the at-fault driver for compensation.
This simplifies and expedites the insurance claims process, allowing you to receive compensation more quickly. It’s important to note, however, that fault is still determined under the no-fault insurance system, and you may share liability with the other driver for the resulting damages.
For example, Section 7 of Ontario’s Negligence Act states that in cases where damages result from the fault or negligence of more than one party, the court can order the plaintiff to share a portion of the losses.
Preventing Unsafe Lane Changes on Multi-Lane Highways
Making unsafe lane changes endangers you and other road users. Even if an unsafe lane change does not result in an accident, you can still receive a ticket and demerit points.
Due to increased traffic, driving on multi-lane highways can be more challenging than driving on one-way roads. Therefore, learning the proper way to switch or move over into lanes of traffic is crucial. Consider these tips to avoid making unsafe lane changes and disrupting traffic flow:
Follow traffic rules and signs
Adhering to the directions of a police officer or traffic rules and signs is essential in ensuring that you’re not making any unsafe lane changes. They are designed to prevent collisions and ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Traffic rules may also change based on traffic conditions or when a road is closed, so it’s important to remain alert while driving.
For example, a traffic sign might indicate that a particular area is a no-passing zone. In these zones, you cannot pass other vehicles or change lanes due to limited visibility or hazardous road conditions.
Additionally, traffic lights inform drivers and pedestrians what to do at intersections. If there’s a red light or stop sign at the intersection, you must come to a complete stop before proceeding.
On the other hand, a green arrow indicates that you can proceed with your turn or lane change in the direction of the arrow if the intersection is clear. Remember to also stop before a marked crosswalk and always give the right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
Speed limits, stop signs, and traffic control devices are important for regulating vehicle speeds and controlling the flow of traffic. Therefore, regardless of the rush you’re in, follow traffic signals and rules when making a lane change or other maneuvers.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by an unsafe lane change, it is crucial to consult with the experienced attorneys at Injury Lawyer For Car Accident. Our dedicated team can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Comprehend traffic patterns
Understanding the flow of traffic before changing lanes is crucial. Doing so can help you determine the optimal time and location to execute a lane change.
Remember that anticipating your lane change is essential to avoid cutting off other drivers. For instance, if you’re on the highway and know that you need to exit soon, don’t wait until the last minute to move into the right lane.
Moreover, observing the flow of traffic in your current lane and the one you’re moving into is also vital. Are there any signs of congestion or slowdowns? Once you understand traffic patterns, choose the lane with the most uninterrupted flow.
Maintain consistent speed
Changing lanes should not disrupt the flow of traffic. This means that you should maintain your speed as you merge into the new lane. After successfully moving into the new lane, you can adjust your speed by slowing down or accelerating, depending on the speed of the lane you’ve entered.
Maintaining a consistent speed when changing lanes is crucial to avoid accidents. For example, if you accelerate while changing lanes and the car in the other lane reduces its speed, it may result in a collision. Even if you can’t see any vehicles around you, it’s important to adhere to this practice.
Choose the appropriate lane
Selecting the proper lane involves more than randomly choosing a lane to drive in. It’s important to pick the lane that provides the most visibility and allows you to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. For example, you should avoid changing lanes when approaching the crest of a hill, as you won’t be able to see any oncoming traffic.
On slippery roads, it’s best to drive in the lane or on the section of the lane that provides the most traction. When you’re about to turn at an intersection, be in the lane designated for the type of turn you’re about to make. Pay attention to the designation signs for right-turn and left-turn lanes.
Remember to stay in the proper lane, especially when driving on multi-lane roads. Use the left lane only when passing another vehicle or preparing to turn left. Conversely, use the right lane for driving, making a right turn, or preparing to enter or exit the roadway. Avoid overtaking another vehicle when you’re in the right lane.
Always use proper signaling
Use proper signals before changing lanes to alert other drivers and give them time to allow you to execute a safe lane change.
Signal as early as possible, especially when switching lanes on a roundabout. Make sure to turn off your turn signal lights after switching lanes to avoid unnecessary confusion and accidents.
Properly adjust and utilize mirrors
Every time you make a lane change, check your rearview mirrors first to see if there are any cars and if there is enough space behind you. As you activate your right or left turn signal, look at the side mirror on the side you intend to merge. For instance, if you plan to change to the right lane, check your right-side mirror for any oncoming vehicles.
The position of your mirrors also matters. They should allow you to survey the area around your vehicle and what’s happening on the side of the road without changing your position. When adjusted properly, the mirrors should not cover the blind spot. Otherwise, you risk switching lanes or crossing paths with a vehicle you can’t detect in your blind spot or mirrors.
Check the vehicle’s blind spot
It’s important to look at your surroundings before changing lanes. There are areas around your vehicle that you can’t see in your mirrors. Therefore, looking over your shoulder to see cars or objects that you can’t see in your mirrors is very important.
You should be particularly careful of bicyclists or cyclists. They are less visible and can quickly enter your blind spot.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident caused by an unsafe lane change, it is essential to consult with the experienced attorneys at Injury Lawyer For Car Accident. Our dedicated team can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.