Why Should Left Lane Yield to Right Lane When Changing Lanes?
2 Answers
Changing lanes left yielding to right has the following reasons: Easier vehicle control when yielding from left: Changing from left to right means moving from a fast lane to a slow lane, which requires deceleration and is easier to control the vehicle. Changing from right to left means moving from a slow lane to a fast lane, which requires acceleration and increases the difficulty of vehicle control. Principle of right-side traffic: China implements the principle of right-side traffic, where drivers are positioned on the left side of the vehicle. If a collision occurs between left and right vehicles, the driver on the right side is more likely to be injured. Therefore, from the perspective of protecting personal safety, the right-side vehicle should be given the right of way.
As an urban commuter who drives daily, I find the 'left yields to right' lane-changing rule particularly important. The reason is that with the driver's seat on the left, there's an A-pillar blind spot on the right side, making it easy to overlook vehicles on the right. When changing lanes from left to right, cars in the right lane may not notice your movement, and forcing your way in could cause a collision. Once on the highway, I saw a driver fail to yield to the right, resulting in a sideswipe accident—fortunately with no injuries. Following this rule significantly reduces side collision risks and helps traffic flow smoothly—especially at merging points where yielding to the right prevents congestion. Developing this good habit is fundamental to safe driving, and everyone should prioritize right-of-way courtesy.
