Can You Stop and Wait While Changing Lanes?
2 Answers
You can stop and wait while changing lanes. Below are the standard procedures for lane changing: 1. Observe the situation before changing lanes: Before changing lanes, the driver should observe the traffic conditions behind, to the side, and in the lane they intend to change into using the interior and exterior rearview mirrors and side windows. 2. Use of turn signals: After confirming it is safe and meets the conditions for changing lanes, the driver should signal their intention to change lanes (e.g., turn on the left turn signal in advance when changing to the left lane) to alert other vehicles. 3. Lane changing technique: During the lane change, steer quickly but avoid excessive movement, aiming to merge into the adjacent lane along a smooth, curved path. Additionally, maintain acceleration throughout the maneuver while continuously monitoring the movements of vehicles ahead, behind, and to the sides. 4. Maintain straight driving after changing lanes: Once the vehicle has merged into the adjacent lane, immediately straighten the steering wheel to ensure the vehicle is centered in the lane and continues to drive straight.
As a veteran driver with over 20 years of experience, I can confidently say that stopping while changing lanes is absolutely asking for trouble. Lane changes on the road should be smooth and continuous. If you suddenly stop, not only will you block the vehicles behind you, but you may also cause a rear-end collision, especially on highways where it's even more dangerous. I remember once seeing someone try to stop while changing lanes on the Jingzang Expressway, which nearly caused a chain-reaction crash—fortunately, other drivers reacted quickly. In fact, traffic rules clearly state that you must not stop unnecessarily while changing lanes unless it's an emergency, such as a breakdown or an accident. When driving, I always remind myself to use the turn signal in advance, check the rearview mirror to ensure a safe distance, and avoid the impulse to brake suddenly. The key is to keep the traffic flowing smoothly. Stopping only disrupts the rhythm and increases chaos. So next time you change lanes, it's better to wait for a gap than to stop and force your way in. Safety always comes first—it's far more important than saving time.
