Driving & Driving Test Tips: Lane Changing, simple truth, safe distance

Question
Hello Mark,

I have two questions.
Q1: Can you give me a tip to change the lanes safely on freeways? How do I judge the safe distance from the car behind me on the center lane when I am merging from right lane.
Q2: And on ramp, if I don't get safe distance to merge can I slow down and wait?

Thanks in advance for the reply.
Jim

Answer
1.  Don't attempt to change lanes when there is a car next to you.  It is not being sarcastic it is the simple truth.  there is no way to teach distance to make a lane change.  you must attempt a lane change only if it is safe to do so.  look in your mirrors and to the side you wish to move to be sure the area is clear to move in to.

2.  Never stop unless it is the last thing possible to avoid a collision.  Either speed up or slow down but do not stop unless a collision is imminent because this is more likely to cause a collision then to avoid one.