If you ask many drivers what their pet hates are about other drivers, one common reply is “other drivers who neglect to signal lane changes and turns. Likewise, in many courses on defensive driving, lane change techniques are an important part of the curriculum.

If you regularly drive on our roads, how many times do you see drivers signal one way and turn the other? Or even worse, drivers who do not even signal at all. What about those trucks, motorbikes and cars whose signals do not self-cancel? You see them cruising along completely oblivious to the fact that their signals are still blinking despite their turn being made several miles earlier.

Tip! Defensive driving lane change techniques and correct signaling are essential to remaining safe on the road

Some drivers consider driving to be some kind of contest, and deliberately do not use turn signals. Their view is that by forecasting a lane change on the highway with a signal, other drivers will counter their move by closing the “gap” in the lane. Although this does happen, the majority of drivers will display courtesy and will not close your gap. And remember that courtesy is contagious too. Just as many drivers WILL make a space for you if they are aware you want to switch lanes.


When it comes to defensive driving, lane change techniques and correct signaling are critical. Errors and neglect in this area of your driving can result in serious accidents and injury. Here are some defensive driving techniques for lane changing:

  • Look ahead and plan ahead. Checking your path ahead before you consider changing lanes is vital. Watch out for vehicles slowing down, pedestrians stepping out, and vehicles about to merge lanes. A good indication of hazards ahead is when vehicles in front of you being to slow down or brake.
  • Keep an eye on the rear vision mirror. Using the rearview mirror gives you a wider view than you get with your side mirrors. Checking your rearview mirror with a quick glance, keeping your main focus on the road ahead. When glancing at your rearview mirror, watch out for traffic coming up faster than you. Watch also for vehicles signaling to change lanes behind you who could be picking up speed to pass your vehicle.
  • Signal your intentions. The signaling procedure is for letting other drivers know what you are about to do. Signaling to other drivers gives them an opportunity to slow down and let you make the safe lane change. Drivers planning a move in front of you may stay where they are if they see your signal. Remember that people often do the unexpected, take nothing for granted and anticipate the worst! Communicating with other drivers is the most important part of defensive driving.
  • Check your blind spot. Take a quick glance over your shoulder to make sure there is nobody sitting along side your vehicle. If you see a vehicle beside you, stay in your lane until the vehicle goes past.
  • Recheck ahead before changing lanes. Just before you turn the steering wheel to maneuver into your lane change, check again to ensure no-one is stopping or veering into your path. You’re your move gradual with only a slight adjustment of the steering wheel. If you cannot change lanes immediately after checking the blind spot, cancel plans and start all over again.
  • Don’t change lanes at intersections. Make sure lane changes are done before and after intersections at side roads, streets or crossroads.

Tip! Avoid potential road rage incidents by learning defensive driving lane change techniques and correct signaling.

Signaling is not always required by law. In some states, the law requires a signal only if your change in movement will affect another nearby driver. If you are on a lonely highway at 3:00 AM, and there is no one else around for 50 miles, you may not be required to signal a turn! However, from a defensive driving point of view, it is always wise signal turns and lane changes. By always signaling, no matter what the circumstances, you create a habit which can only be a good thing.

Make sure you send clear information when you signal. Be careful not to signal too soon or too late, causing other drivers to be confused about your intentions. Other oncoming drivers may interpret your signal to mean you are turning sooner or later than you intend to turn.

When it comes to defensive driving, lane change techniques and correct signaling are important to master. Make sure you do, your life may depend on it!