Changing lanes on busy roads can be extremely dangerous if not done carefully and deliberately. Unfortunately unsafe manoeuvres are all too common in Northern Ireland and often lead to all too preventable accidents. Let’s take a closer look at this issue and how to stay safe on the roads.
What are unsafe lane changes?
Unsafe lane changes refer to the practice of changing lanes without checking blind spots, signalling, or ensuring that it’s safe to move into the other lane. This behaviour not only puts your life at risk but also the lives of other road users. It’s common for unsafe lane changes to lead to accidents, injuries, and sometimes even fatalities.
Unsafe lane changes are a growing concern on the roads of Northern Ireland. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), careless and dangerous driving, which would include unsafe lane changes, is one of the leading causes of road accidents in the region.
Factors contributing to unsafe lane changes
There are a few key factors that frequently contribute to unsafe lane changes:
- Distractions – Using your mobile phone while driving, eating, etc. takes focus away from the road. Avoid it at all costs.
- Poor Mirror Checking – Drivers must always check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Rushing – Feeling rushed often leads to carelessness. Leave early to avoid the need to speed.
- Aggressive Driving – Driving angry dramatically increases risk of collision. Best take a few minutes and relax before you get behind a wheel.
It’s important to be aware of these factors before making any lane changes, they can potentially help avoid an accident.
Preventing accidents from unsafe lane changes
There are steps all drivers could take to help avoid accidents:
- Make sure you always check mirrors and, when appropriate, perform a shoulder check before any lane change.
- Use turn signals properly to communicate intentions.
- Leave plenty of braking distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Yield to traffic already in the lane you want to enter rather than forcing risky merges.
- Watch for merging vehicles and be mindful of blind spots.
Small adjustments can significantly reduce your collision risk. Safety should always be your #1 priority.
Consequences of unsafe lane changes
The consequences of unsafe lane changes can be severe. In addition to the risk of injury, drivers who engage in unsafe lane changes can face fines, penalty points, and can even get disqualified from driving. Insurance premiums may also increase and drivers may face legal action.
If you’re involved in a car accident caused by an unsafe lane change, you may face physical and emotional trauma and likely will have to deal with a damaged vehicle.
What to do after a lane change accident
If an accident occurs due to another driver’s unsafe lane change manoeuvre, remain calm and stop in a safe place. It’s important to obtain insurance and identifying information from all parties involved. Make sure to take as many photos as possible and speak to any witnesses. Additionally, you should seek medical attention as some symptoms don’t appear for many days after an accident.
We would also advise that you contact a qualified personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. If you reach out to Paschal O’Hare Solicitors, we’ll be able to advise you on the entire claims process and assist in gathering evidence.
Trust our firm to take it from here. We offer a compassionate service, listening supportively and working diligently to achieve the best outcome possible for you. Rely on our expertise – contact us today.
