Shoulder Check when changing lanes?
Discussion
A conundrum that has been befuddling me for a while now....
When planning a lane change on the motorway or any other mulitple lane roads, I've made it a habit to continue the mirror check into an over-the-shoulder blind spot check into the intended direction of movement. But I can't remember being told that this is the correct thing to do. My father told me not to when he showed me motorway driving, but I think he was spending all his energies getting me to look further up the road aged 17! I can think of a number of occasions where this has prevented trouble, either by spotting a stealt motorcylist whos' crept into my blind spot, or seeing a car about to move into or in the process of moving into my intended lane.
But thinking about it, travelling at speed surely you want your eyes forwards at all times? Should it be possible to infer cars positions from mirror-work alone, or is the blind spot check and essential safety net?
I think I'll continue to do it, because it has saved me embarassment or worse on a number of occasions and I find it possible to maintain space around the car to allow me the luxury of the extra 0.5 secs or so that braking may be delayed by whilst I conduct the "life-saver".
Thoughts/ the official line appreciated!
When planning a lane change on the motorway or any other mulitple lane roads, I've made it a habit to continue the mirror check into an over-the-shoulder blind spot check into the intended direction of movement. But I can't remember being told that this is the correct thing to do. My father told me not to when he showed me motorway driving, but I think he was spending all his energies getting me to look further up the road aged 17! I can think of a number of occasions where this has prevented trouble, either by spotting a stealt motorcylist whos' crept into my blind spot, or seeing a car about to move into or in the process of moving into my intended lane.
But thinking about it, travelling at speed surely you want your eyes forwards at all times? Should it be possible to infer cars positions from mirror-work alone, or is the blind spot check and essential safety net?
I think I'll continue to do it, because it has saved me embarassment or worse on a number of occasions and I find it possible to maintain space around the car to allow me the luxury of the extra 0.5 secs or so that braking may be delayed by whilst I conduct the "life-saver".
Thoughts/ the official line appreciated!
Nev, If you're more comfortable accompanying your lane changes with a shoulder check, then carry on. A little additional safety check should never be criticised.
My guidelines are that you should always do a right shoulder check when entering a motorway, and when making your initial moves into the overtaking lanes. If you then check your mirrors correctly whilst on the motorway, shoulder checks become less necessary, as you should be completely aware of what's going on 360 degrees around the car.
I always recommend a final shoulder check as you enter an exit slip, to counter the possibility that there will be a late-exiting vehicle.
My guidelines are that you should always do a right shoulder check when entering a motorway, and when making your initial moves into the overtaking lanes. If you then check your mirrors correctly whilst on the motorway, shoulder checks become less necessary, as you should be completely aware of what's going on 360 degrees around the car.
I always recommend a final shoulder check as you enter an exit slip, to counter the possibility that there will be a late-exiting vehicle.
I always do one on any route or lane change and it was expected on my test.
The only debate in my mind is how to do it:
1 instructor said I do it too long and should really only be using my peripheral vison to pick up movement (which from a physiological point of view is absolutely accurate as that what it's best at).
The other instructor said I should do the full motorbike head turn 'life saver' so there was no doubt.
I've tried both and use 1 or the other all the time but I'm still not sure.
(though soon it may be academic what I use).
The only debate in my mind is how to do it:
1 instructor said I do it too long and should really only be using my peripheral vison to pick up movement (which from a physiological point of view is absolutely accurate as that what it's best at).
The other instructor said I should do the full motorbike head turn 'life saver' so there was no doubt.
I've tried both and use 1 or the other all the time but I'm still not sure.
(though soon it may be academic what I use).
Edited by naetype on Sunday 26th August 22:35
I find in modern cars - that often
the rear pillars and head restraints are so bloddy big - that when I do my instincive over the shoulder check I can not see a thing! Yes lets make modern cars safer but harder to see out of!
As the bloke that drives the van said.
Personaly I think the key is to change lane is in a smooth gradual manner. One the very very rare occasion that some idiot has formated on you in your blind spot with out you realising it - you quickly become aware of them as you begin to edge over - a potential collision avoided.
the rear pillars and head restraints are so bloddy big - that when I do my instincive over the shoulder check I can not see a thing! Yes lets make modern cars safer but harder to see out of!
As the bloke that drives the van said.
Personaly I think the key is to change lane is in a smooth gradual manner. One the very very rare occasion that some idiot has formated on you in your blind spot with out you realising it - you quickly become aware of them as you begin to edge over - a potential collision avoided.
You asked....
In addition, most examiners would smile approvingly when you do it.
Job done.
BFF
WeirdNeville said:
Should I do a shoulder check when changing lanes..
and then you said....WeirdNeville said:
..it has saved me embarassment or worse on a number of occasions and I find it possible to maintain space around the car to allow me the luxury of the extra 0.5 secs or so that braking may be delayed by whilst I conduct the "life-saver".
You've answered your own (good) question with your own (good) answer. Keep up the good driving.In addition, most examiners would smile approvingly when you do it.
Job done.
BFF
I usually do it as a leftover from my organ donor days. I tend to leave it out if 'pressing on' and the likelihood of someone catching up since I checked my mirrors a second before diminishes.
As Funk says though there's always the lunatic fringe like Mr BMW (Y598 CDU) who undertook me on the M3 this morning at around 120mph as I completed an overtake and was traversing into lane 1. t
t.
As Funk says though there's always the lunatic fringe like Mr BMW (Y598 CDU) who undertook me on the M3 this morning at around 120mph as I completed an overtake and was traversing into lane 1. t
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