Unsafe lane change is recognized as an aggressive driving maneuver in 14 states; in others, it is a serious moving violation. Thus, unsafe lane changes are not only unsafe, but they are also against the law.
Unsafe lane changes are performed when a car moves from one lane to another without signaling or checking to see if there is an open space in the other lane.
An unsafe and illegal lane change includes changing lane without an initial signal or turning on the signal in the middle of the lane change. It is also changing into a lane that is moving much faster than you are, causing the cars already in the lane to brake suddenly. Making the lane change too sharply or quickly or driving between lanes for a long time is also unsafe.
Unsafe lane changes result in side rear and front impact crashes involving the car changing lanes and the cars already in the lane. Rollovers, hydroplaning and other loss of control issues also happen due to unsafe lanes changes. In addition, the driver may receive a ticket, fine or even jail time if there is an accident.
Proper signaling, attention to the other cars on the road and the use of rear and side mirrors can prevent an unsafe lane change. Also, pay attention to the pavement marking because some unsafe lane changes are made in areas where such changes are illegal.
Other unsafe lanes changes are made in intersections or school zones where pedestrians are present. This increases the risk of not only an accident but also injury to the people walking through the intersection.
