California Vehicle Code (CVC) allows drivers to change lanes, but they are required to make sure it’s safe to move to another lane and that they signal their move.
When drivers change lanes and sideswipe another vehicle or rear-end someone, it’s usually a sign that the merging driver didn’t pay enough attention and changed lanes while it wasn’t safe. The violation can end with a traffic ticket and leave at-fault drivers liable for accident damages.
No person shall turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a roadway until such movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after the giving of an appropriate signal in the manner provided in this chapter in the event any other vehicle may be affected by the movement.
Making a Safe Lane Change on California Highways
Checking in all directions before veering into another lane is care that all drivers should want to take. It can prevent accidents and heart-racing close calls.
In fact, California vehicle code asks drivers to never make a lane change without taking proper steps to make sure the change is safe. The code also demands that drivers signal properly before switching lanes.
When one or both of these steps are ignored, officers can cite drivers, leaving them with a large fine (when court fees are added) and with a point on their DMV record.
The DMV’s California Driver’s Handbook goes into three things drivers should monitor as they are traveling in a lane.
Know what’s at your side. Try to stay out of another driver’s blind spot. Try not to drive directly beside another vehicle when possible. Make space for merging vehicles, even when you have the right of way.
Check your blind spots. Turn your head in both directions to check blind spots before a lane shift, but avoid turning the body.
Know what is behind you. By checking mirrors and blind spots, you can keep track of the vehicles around you and behind you. This precaution can help prevent accidents when you are switching lanes and when you must change speeds.
Stability in a California Lane
CVC 21658 also concerns travel in lanes, but addresses how drivers should remain in their lane without running over a line without intending to.
They should not make sudden jerks or cross the dotted lines without intending to. When they do switch lanes, they should do so only when they can do so safely.
Whenever any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic in one direction, the following rules apply:
(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practical entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.
The code also deals with the posted signs along the lanes pertaining to lanes that drivers must pay attention to and follow. This might include a sign that asks slower drivers to stick to the right lanes.
Do I Need a Lawyer for My Accident?
If another driver ran over the white line and struck you, and you suffered serious injuries, it’s a good idea to discuss your options in a free case consultation.
A California car accident lawyer makes sure the blame stays with the careless driver and then demands the most possible for your recovery costs.
If you do need our help, you don’t have to worry about how you’ll pay a lawyer at such a difficult time. We aren’t paid unless we win your case for you. Then our fee comes out of the check the insurance company must write for you.
