How To Navigate Different Types Of Lanes

Many roads have two or more lanes going in your direction. On these roads, drivers traveling at slower speeds should use the right lane, as the speed of traffic increases as you move to the left. Be sure you're not impeding other traffic by driving too slowly in your lane, as this can frustrate other drivers or cause them to make unsafe passing maneuvers.

On two-lane roads, the left lane should generally be used only when you're passing a slower car driving in front of you; when the road is crowded and both lanes are in use, don’t use the left lane if you're driving more slowly than traffic. On roads with three or more lanes, make sure you match your speed to the traffic flow in your lane, and be ready to yield to faster moving traffic by moving to the right if necessary.

On multi-lane roads, you should be in the left lane when passing or preparing to turn left, and in the right lane when turning right or preparing to enter or leave the roadway. Avoid passing on the right.

When you change lanes, wait until there is a clear gap in the traffic, look in the mirrors and only after that start the maneuver. Merging requires the same sequence of actions.

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. Carpool lanes are made specifically for the buses or vehicles with 2 or 3 passengers to decrease the use of fuel, air pollution and lessen the traffic on the road.

How To Stay In Your Own Lane

Driving Line

It is very important to pay attention to your lane position. A new driver should learn to keep the vehicle in the center of the driving lane and away from the edges.

The blue line on the picture represents an imaginary driving line in the middle of the lane. While driving straight ahead you will normally stay on this driving line unless other factors affect the position of your car.

Car lane position

Sometimes, you will use different lane positions to make adjustments for potential problems and create more space between your car and dangerous situations. There are three lane positions that a driver can choose without changing lanes. These are illustrated in the graphic and explained in the next slide.

Position number 1 is in the middle of the lane and will be used for most driving situations.

Positions 2 and 3 are placements to the left and the right when restrictions to your path or view exist—without having to move out of the lane of travel.

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.

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.

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.

How To Change 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.

When you change lanes, follow these steps:

• Turn on your signal.
• Check your mirrors.
• Check your blind spot by looking over your shoulder.
• If it is safe, change lanes.
• Turn off your signal after completing the lane change.

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.

These carpool lanes are reserved for buses and vehicles with a minimum of two or three people (including the driver). Some states (e.g.,California,Virginia) also allow motorcycles in the carpool lane. Always read the carpool sign. The sign will show how many people must be in the vehicle, as well as the days and hours. The carpool lane sign may differ from one place to another.

How to navigate the bicycle lane

As bicycles are considered vehicles, bicyclists on public streets have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers. They should ride in the same direction as other traffic.

Drivers must be careful when driving close to cyclists. Drivers should not drive too closely to the bicycle when passing. A collision may result. Cyclists should normally ride in a straight line as near to the right curb or edge of the roadway as practical.

Drivers should look carefully for cyclists before turning right and merge safely toward the curb or into the bike lane. Do not pass a cyclist just before making a right turn. Merge first, and then turn.

Before passing a cyclist in a narrow traffic lane, wait until the traffic is clear in the opposite lane, and then change lanes to pass the cyclist. Do not attempt to squeeze past the cyclist. Every bicyclist should always wear an ANSI-approved bicycle helmet when riding, which greatly improves the chances of surviving a collision.