Why Should Left Lane Yield to Right Lane When Changing Lanes?

[MacMaverick]

There are several reasons why left lane should yield to right lane when changing lanes: 1. Article 25 states that vehicles may change lanes without affecting normal traffic flow, but must comply with the following regulation: When vehicles from both left and right lanes intend to merge into the same lane, the vehicle from the left lane must yield to the vehicle from the right lane. 2. Changing from left to right means moving from a fast lane to a slow lane: This typically involves deceleration, which is easier for vehicle control. Conversely, merging from right to left (slow lane to fast lane) requires acceleration, making vehicle control more challenging. 3. China implements right-hand traffic rules: Since drivers sit on the left side of vehicles, in a collision between left and right vehicles, the driver on the right side faces greater injury risk. Therefore, yielding to right-side vehicles prioritizes personal safety.

[McMaya]

Having driven for over a decade, I deeply understand the rule of yielding to the right when changing lanes. This is mainly because the driver's seat is usually on the left, making it easier to observe traffic on the left side. However, the right side has a larger blind spot, such as the dead zone in the rearview mirror. If you don't yield to the right, accidents can easily happen. Once on the highway, I was changing lanes from the left and didn't notice a car approaching quickly from the right, nearly causing a collision. Fortunately, I braked in time. Since then, I've made it a habit to always check blind spots and signal before changing lanes, letting right-side vehicles go first. In fact, traffic rules like this are designed to prevent accidents and reduce the burden of driver judgment. New drivers can practice this a few more times—remember, safety first, don’t rush to cut in. Developing good habits makes driving much more reassuring.

[DelRichard]

In terms of traffic behavior, the design principle of 'yielding left to right' stems from ergonomics. Drivers seated on the right side of the vehicle naturally tend to observe road conditions to the left, where visibility is broader, while the right side has limited angles due to obstructions like pillars, making it easier to overlook same-direction traffic. The rule mandating left-side vehicles to yield to right-side vehicles effectively reduces the probability of lane-changing collisions. I often advise drivers to adopt a segmented approach when changing lanes: first signal, then check mirrors to confirm no vehicles on the right before slowly merging. This principle applies not only on highways but is also crucial during urban traffic jams, protecting both oneself and others. Cultivating this awareness makes driving more relaxed.

[PaigeAnn]

When I first learned to drive, my instructor repeatedly emphasized yielding to the right when changing lanes. This is because the driver's seat is on the right side, making it easier to see the road from the left, while the right side has limited visibility and potential blind spots. Failing to yield to the right can easily lead to accidents. In practice, when encountering a lane change situation, I proactively slow down and wait for the right-side vehicle to pass before proceeding. Adhering to this rule has helped me avoid many troubles. Driving safety relies on attention to detail—everyone should keep this in mind.