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Most vehicle accidents happen when vehicles change lanes. Proper lane changing techniques will reduce the accident rate.

In its analysis of changing lane accidents, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) defined lane change crashes as two-vehicle crashes that occur when one vehicle encroaches into the path of another vehicle initially on a parallel path with the first vehicle and traveling in the same direction. There were seven common scenarios identified that accounted for about 88 percent of all two-vehicle lane-change crashes. Ten percent of typical lane change crashes involved large trucks changing lanes and light vehicles going straight.

NHTSA found the factors contributing to lane change accidents were

• Distraction: 15 percent
• Other violations charged: 13 percent
• Hit and run: 6 percent
• Alcohol or drugs: 1 percent
• Sign violations: 1 percent
• Other (none of the above): 64 percent 

DrivingTests.org has the following recommendations for drivers:

• If you find that you are behind another vehicle that is driving at a slower speed than you are and you are still driving well below the posted speed limit, it is acceptable to briefly change into the left lane in order to pass the car. First, turn on your left turn signal to inform other drivers of your intentions to move into the left lane.
• Check your rearview and side mirrors for other vehicles currently in the lane in which you are planning to transition.
• Check your vehicle’s blind spot. It is very important to check your blind spot every time you prepare to change lanes. Check your mirrors again.

• While maintaining your speed, smoothly steer left so that your vehicle leaves the right lane and moves into the left lane.
• Turn on your right turn signal to inform other drivers of your intentions to transition back into the right lane.

• Check your rearview and side mirrors for other motorists. Check your vehicle’s blind spot. Quickly check your mirrors again.
• While maintaining your speed, smoothly steer right so that your vehicle leaves the left lane and returns to the right lane. 

“If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. We have staff available 24/7 to assist you. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. There are no costs or attorney fees until we make a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Personal Injury Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and Collier County 239.793.7748.