Traveling on Tennessee’s crowded roadways can be challenging — especially these days, when other drivers are distracted and don’t seem to abide by the same rules. Anyone who has driven on a crowded highway knows that trying to merge in bumper-to-bumper traffic can feel like a nightmare. A merge is one of the riskiest maneuvers. If drivers know the appropriate way to merge into heavy traffic, they are more likely to avoid motor vehicle accidents.
How to merge
Prepare for a merge before it’s time to merge. First, look for a gap between vehicles on the freeway. Then, increase the vehicle’s speed to match the speed of traffic and the predetermined gap. Many times, drivers tend to slow down just before merging. This is a big mistake and a primary cause of merging-related accidents.
Once the vehicle is up to speed, check the blind spot, turn on the left signal and merge into the gap. After the merge, be sure to adjust the vehicle’s speed to keep an appropriate amount of space between vehicles. If a lane change is needed, wait until there’s a large enough space to move into. Then, use mirrors, check the blind spot, signal then make the lane change.
What to do after an accident
In heavy traffic, it is common for drivers to grow impatient or try to compete with other drivers. However, it is important to remember that it isn’t a race. The goal is to arrive safely to the destination. Those in Tennessee who suffer injuries in motor vehicle accidents caused by negligent drivers have options available to help them get through this difficult experience. By speaking with an attorney and filing a claim, victims could obtain deserved and much-needed compensation.