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Mastering Diverging Safely
September 28, 2023 at 3:50 AM
Today, we'll provide you with clear, step-by-step instructions on how to safely perform lane changes, merges, and lateral movements when driving, whether you're diverging to the right or the left. The term "diverging" encompasses any maneuver involving a change in lanes, merging, or lateral movement within your lane, spanning at least the width of a car. This guide will empower you with the knowledge and skills to navigate narrow streets with parked objects and handle these situations with confidence.
Diverging to the Right: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Scan Ahead
- Begin by scanning the road ahead while driving in a narrow street with parked objects. Stay attentive to any potential obstructions or parked vehicles in your path.
2. Check Safety
- Once you identify a parked object or obstruction ahead, assess the situation to determine if it's safe to overtake the object. Ensure there are no oncoming vehicles or other hazards.
3. Activate Your Right Turn Signal
- If it's safe to proceed to the right, signal your intent by activating your right turn signal. It's crucial to signal for at least three seconds before making your move. This will provide ample warning to other drivers that you are planning to change lanes to the right.
4. Mirror and Blind Spot Check
- Before changing lanes, conduct a quick check of your rearview mirror to be aware of vehicles behind you. Follow this with a glance at your right-side mirror. Finally, perform a blind spot check to ensure no vehicles or obstacles are in your intended path.
5. Gradual Steering to the Right
- Gently turn the steering wheel slightly to the right. Ensure that your movement is gradual and controlled. You should only need to make a slight adjustment to the wheel to guide your vehicle to the right.
6. Monitor Your Rearview Mirror
- Once you have successfully shifted lanes to the right and overtaken the parked object, check your rearview mirror again to stay aware of any vehicles approaching from behind.
Take a look at our video on Diverging to the Right.
Diverging to the Left: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Focus on the Road Ahead
- While navigating a narrow street with parked objects and you've completed overtaking those objects, keep your focus on the road ahead.
2. Assess the Situation
- Determine if it's clear to move back to the left lane or if there is oncoming traffic that may affect your maneuver. Safety is paramount.
3. Activate Your Left Turn Signal
- If it's safe to proceed to the left, signal your intention by activating your left turn signal. Remember to signal for at least three seconds to notify other drivers of your intended lane change.
4. Mirror and Blind Spot Check
- Before making the lane change, perform a quick check of your rearview mirror to stay informed about vehicles behind you. Next, glance at your left-side mirror. Complete the process with a thorough blind spot check to ensure it's safe to move to the left.
5. Gradual Steering to the Left
- Slowly turn the steering wheel to the left, ensuring that your movement is gradual and controlled. You should only need to make a slight adjustment to the wheel to guide your vehicle to the left.
6. Monitor Your Rearview Mirror
- Once you have successfully moved to the left lane, continue to monitor your rearview mirror to stay aware of any vehicles approaching from behind.
Take a look at our video on Diverging to the Left.
By following these step-by-step instructions for both right and left lane diverging, you'll become a safer and more confident driver, especially when navigating narrow streets with parked objects. Remember, safe driving is about anticipation, communication, and careful execution. Drive responsibly and prioritize the safety of yourself and others on the road.
FAQs
1) Which lane should I finish in when turning onto a multilane road?
Finish in the nearest lawful lane to you: left turns end in the left-hand lane; right turns end in the right-hand lane, unless lane arrows/markings direct otherwise. Change lanes after the turn only when it’s safe and signalled.
2) Do I need to signal on approach and exit?
Yes. Left turn: signal left before the intersection and maintain it through the turn. Right turn: signal right on approach; cancel once established in your lane after the turn. If changing lanes after the turn, indicate and check mirrors/blind spots first.
3) How do I avoid cutting the corner on a right turn?
Set up close to the centre line, slow early, and turn later to follow a smooth arc into the right-hand lane. Keep wheels rolling slowly for control, scan for oncoming traffic and pedestrians, and don’t swing wide into the far lane.
4) Can I change lanes during the turn?
Avoid lane changes within the turn. Hold your chosen lane through the arc. Once straight, check mirrors, signal, shoulder-check, and change lanes only when there’s a safe gap and markings allow.
5) Do pedestrians have priority when I turn?
Yes. When turning into a road, you must give way to pedestrians crossing that road. Scan both near and far crossings before committing, and be ready to stop.
6) Can I turn left on a red light in New Zealand?
No. You cannot turn left on red unless a green left arrow is displayed. Obey Stop/Give Way controls and lane arrows at all times.
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