Rules on lane changes

Question

When indicating to do a lane change either left or right, what are the rules for traffic approaching from the rear in the intended lane...I was stuc behind a vehicle intending to turn right and hence wanted to turn into the left lane. I waited for quite some time for the traffic to clear in the left lane, and did all my neccesary checks. When I subesequntly started my lane change, a car in my blind spot on the left lane sped up wich ended in a collision

Answer

There are no rules that apply to the driver who is not changing lanes. The onus is on the driver who wishes to change lanes to do so only if and when it is safe to change lanes.

The correct procedure for lane changing is as follows:

• Before signalling, first check in the mirrors and the blind spot to see if it is going to be safe to signal for a lane change.
• If it is safe, then signal to the appropriate side. Do not sugnal until it is safe to change lanes.
• Check in the appropriate blind spot again.
• If it is still safe to change lanes, steer into the next lane.
• Cancel the signal.
• The last check is always in the blind spot, before executing the manoeuvre.

Nevertheless, common road courtesy and safe driving practice would be not to speed past a driver who has been indicating for some time that he intends changing lanes. However, there is no rule as such that governs common courtesy and good driving sense.The last check to be done before changing lanes is to check in the blind spot before steeing into the next lane. This is a requirement of the K53 driving test.