I previously shared that the key element in being a safe driver is to never interrupt the flow of traffic. I already discussed how when you reach the end of a freeway on-ramp you should be going the same speed as the vehicles on the freeway. The same concept applies when changing lanes, whether on the freeway or city streets.
Before you change lanes, always check your mirrors and blind spot. Turn on your blinker before you begin to merge with another lane. This will notify and prepare other drivers of what you're about to do. Make sure to observe how fast drivers in the lane you are merging with are traveling. Drivers who are not close behind you, but driving at a much faster speed, will catch up to you quickly and will need to brake quickly as well, which increases the risk of an accident. This is why it is important to be traveling at the same speed of the traffic in the lane you are merging with.
Another thing to maintain awareness of is if many drivers are having to change lanes to go around you, or if they are driving close behind you. This most likely means you are traveling at a slower speed than the majority of traffic in that lane. To reduce the risk of an accident you should change lanes to the right. Some people have the notion that by getting in the way of fast drivers they are helping to stop dangerous drivers. On the contrary, this makes you the dangerous driver. You will only anger other drivers, and you will cause them to make riskier moves to attemp to go around you. It is better to keep you and your passangers safe and out of harms way.
Sacramento courier has never been more attentive!