Tips on changing lanes

With my mirrors and cameras, I dont have a blind spot!

My buddy always used to say.....

When clear, let your signal light blink 3 times and move over.

I'm signalling my intentions, not asking for permission.

I have found that when pulling our 38' 5th wheel that after signaling a lane change for a little while I start moving into the new lane. Amazingly others seem to get out of the way! Phoenix drivers are the worst, they tend to speed up from behind when they see me signaling to change lanes. They are a bit surprised when I start moving into the lane I was informing them I was going to move into. Being a little aggressive seems to work better than trying to be nice to everyone. The right lanes on Phoenix freeways end at the next exit so one has to change lanes or end up on an exit. So I have learned to immediately move a few lanes closer to the fastest lane to avoid getting caught having to make a forced lane change.

For me I keep a running total of what's around me at all times, I put a bit more into my driveing than some folks.haveing been at work, move ing the 53ft trailers around. Three shifts, 365/7, and now it's all happy-camping

therink wrote:
I have found that if you turn your signal on early enough and start inching over, most drivers give you room. Some don't and don't care, no biggie. When pulling that much weight, defensive driving skills are best practice.

I don't understand.

One the one hand you're saying force your way over and on the other hand you're saying drive defensively.

What am I missing?

BTW, I agree with your technique for very heavy traffic but not for the open Interstate.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

rhagfo wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Best thing you can do is add LED lights if you don't have them. It is amazing how much better people are at letting you over.

When passing and moving back over to the right I know I am clear when I can fully see the front end of the vehicle in my mirror that I am passing.

Well I can see the full front end of the car I am passing long before I am clear of it! Not a good method!

Maybe not for you but don't say it is not a good method. Different mirrors and position of the driver all make things different.

Op asked what people do and that is what works for me.

You must have some magic mirrors on that Fiat , I too can see the front end of the car or whatever long before I am clear of it, your method really does not make much sense . You might want to elaborate on the position of the driver in your truck , I always sit in the drivers seat while driving, it would be interesting as to where you are sitting ,and the position of your mirrors .

hotpepperkid wrote:
I just look in the mirror and when I see Im clear I turn on turn sign and move over. Not a big deal

X-how ever many, LOL!

Try to avoid busy cities at rush hour - no matter how skilled you are!.

Practice helps - but can't duplicate every scenario.

Bottom line - back to the HPK's advice.... go for it..:W

~

rhagfo wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Best thing you can do is add LED lights if you don't have them. It is amazing how much better people are at letting you over.

When passing and moving back over to the right I know I am clear when I can fully see the front end of the vehicle in my mirror that I am passing.

Well I can see the full front end of the car I am passing long before I am clear of it! Not a good method!

Maybe not for you but don't say it is not a good method. Different mirrors and position of the driver all make things different.

Op asked what people do and that is what works for me.

TubaPete wrote:

rhagfo wrote:
Well four pages on changing lanes, Wow,
1. . . . .

2. Forcing a lane change is not the correct method either, people don't like being pushed around.

3. . . . .

4. NOTHING will drive following traffic nuts than someone that puts on a signal and then takes a 1/2 to 3/4 mile to decide to come over.

Not to start a fight but in my opinion 2 and 4 can be mutually exclusive. All too often I put on my signal when I see an opening and people immediately speed up to close the distance and cut me off. After several cars and a mile or so I get frustrated and force my lane change.

I agree with you 100%. But I don't even wait a mile. I have driven semi long enough to know most people will not move for you, so after 15 or 20 seconds, I start moving over. Let me tell you, when people see you coming, they will move.

rhagfo wrote:
Well four pages on changing lanes, Wow,
1. . . . .

2. Forcing a lane change is not the correct method either, people don't like being pushed around.

3. . . . .

4. NOTHING will drive following traffic nuts than someone that puts on a signal and then takes a 1/2 to 3/4 mile to decide to come over.

Not to start a fight but in my opinion 2 and 4 can be mutually exclusive. All too often I put on my signal when I see an opening and people immediately speed up to close the distance and cut me off. After several cars and a mile or so I get frustrated and force my lane change.