How To Make An Emergency Lane Change Article
February 10, 2010 | in Defensive Driving TipsImagine you are happily cruising down the interstate at 70mph, music blasting, windows slightly open. You don’t notice that you’ve crept up a little too close to the car in front of you. This car stops suddenly; by the time you see it, there isn’t enough space for you stop. However, the lane to your right is free.
You need to execute an emergency lane change. This is a helpful technique that allows you to change lanes quickly and safely in the event of brake failure, a tire blowout, a sudden obstacle in the road, or other similar emergency. Use this simple one-two-three motion to make an emergency lane change to the right:
1. Your hands should be opposite another on the steering wheel, at 9 and 3 o’clock. From this position, spin the wheel 180 degrees to the right, so that your arms are crossed.
2. As soon as your arms touch, spin the wheel back 360 degrees, so that your arms cross in the opposite direction.
3. Immediately straighten the wheel with a 90 degree turn back to the right.
To enter the right-hand lane: RIGHT-LEFT-RIGHT.
To enter the left-hand lane: LEFT-RIGHT-LEFT.
Using this technique, you’ll be able to make a quick lane change when traveling at speeds as high as 60-70mph without losing control of your vehicle.