The Do’s and Don’ts of Merging Properly to Avoid Car Accidents

Merging traffic is a major concern for every driver. When lanes merge or drivers enter a highway, the driver has no choice but to communicate in some way with other vehicles in the other traffic lanes. Communicate usually means indicating by car position, car speed, a wave of the hand, or some other method which car should go in front of the other. When two cars try to get to the same spot at the same time, sideswipe accidents and T-bone accidents can occur. The collision can cause cars to swerve into other cars, guardrails, or off the highway.

Ways to merge safely

Each merge situation is different. Having a strategy for handling merging can help avoid car crashes. The strategy should include:

• Yielding to other drivers in the lane you want to get to – but try to avoid completely stopping.
• Adjusting the speed to try to match the flow of traffic before entering another lane or entering the highway from a side road.
• Focusing on the car you want to get behind – not the car you want to try to get in front of
• Checking for cars by using both left and right mirrors, rear-view mirrors, and by looking for blind spots. You may need to physically turn your head to get a good look.
• Not waiting to put on your turn signal at the last second. Put your turn signal on well in advance of the moment you want to change lanes. Do use your blinker so drivers understand you want to shift lanes.
• Crossing only one lane of traffic at a time.
• Looking at the lines on the road. They may indicate where merging works best.
• Looking at the lanes of traffic to see where you must make a final decision about merging or stopping until traffic clears.

Safe merging also depends on traffic conditions. Drivers should avoid merging in a curve. Keep in mind that you may need to shift back into your original lane after you merge. Drivers shouldn’t assume that other drivers will be courteous and let them into their lane of traffic.

Drivers merging onto Interstates 24, 40, or 65, or any other state or local roads should know the speed limits for the roads they’re leaving and the ones they’re entering.

If you or someone you know was seriously injured, or if someone was killed in a merging accident, you need a lawyer with trial experience. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we know how to prove who was at fault in a merging accident. We demand payment for all medical expenses, wage loss, pain and suffering, and property damage. Please phone us at 901-680-9777 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent clients in Memphis, Jackson, West Tennessee, and all neighboring locations.