Should I check blind spot when driving into a turning right lane

blacking7

Should I check blind spot when driving into a turning right lane ?
This lane always starts we close to the junction.
Anyone has idea ?

Thanks.

dennyk

You should always take a quick glance at your blind spot when changing lanes. Even if there wasn't a lane next to you beforehand, there could still be a cyclist coming up on that side, for example.

blacking7

dennyk wrote: »

You should always take a quick glance at your blind spot when changing lanes. Even if there wasn't a lane next to you beforehand, there could still be a cyclist coming up on that side, for example.

Thanks so much. got it.

blacking7

dennyk wrote: »

You should always take a quick glance at your blind spot when changing lanes. Even if there wasn't a lane next to you beforehand, there could still be a cyclist coming up on that side, for example.

Just a following question, when one lane splits two lanes and I drive to right lane. Should I check blind spot ?

Kablamo!

Always check it. No harm in it.

blacking7

dennyk wrote: »

You should always take a quick glance at your blind spot when changing lanes. Even if there wasn't a lane next to you beforehand, there could still be a cyclist coming up on that side, for example.

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Just a following question, when one lane splits two lanes and I drive to right lane. Should I check blind spot ?

DrumSteve

Its a really good habit to get into; I'd recommend doing it anytime you merge. It's only a quick glance you need in addition to your mirror; plus for your test observation is one of the biggest aspects of it.

blacking7

Kablamo! wrote: »

Always check it. No harm in it.

I failed on my driving test today because I did should check in turning left/ right.
So I'm a little confused now.

DrumSteve

blacking7 wrote: »

I failed on my driving test today because I did should check in turning left/ right.
So I'm a little confused now.

Did they give you a grade 3 for checking your blind spot?

2Mad2BeMad

whats confusing?
you should always check your blind spot.

blacking7

DrumSteve wrote: »

Did they give you a grade 3 for checking your blind spot?

Then give 5 grade 2 to me because I checked my blind spot.

(Can't we post image in thread????)

They said I should not check in turning left and right.
I think we should check it when driving into new lane and not check when turing..

blacking7

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

whats confusing?
you should always check your blind spot.

Do you mean that I should always check it before moving into new lane ?
like driving into right turning lane ?

DrumSteve

blacking7 wrote: »

Then give 5 grade 2 to me because I checked my blind spot.

(Can't we post image in thread????)

They said I should not check in turning left and right.
I think we should check it when driving into new lane and not check when turing..

Did they grade you for checking the blind spot on the left hand side of the car?

Ciara 5

I think what you mean is that when you were taking a left turn or right turn you were checking your blind spot? That would mean taking your eyes off the road in front when making the manevure hence the marks I'm guessing.
You need to check blind spot when:
-moving off
-merging
-overtaking
-changing lanes

blacking7

DrumSteve wrote: »

Did they grade you for checking the blind spot on the left hand side of the car?

yeah. I think I might check the blind spot while I was turning left/right.(actually I could not remember....I always check it after middle mirror, left/right mirror)

blacking7

Ciara 5 wrote: »

I think what you mean is that when you were taking a left turn or right turn you were checking your blind spot? That would mean taking your eyes off the road in front when making the manevure hence the marks I'm guessing.
You need to check blind spot when:
-moving off
-merging
-overtaking
-changing lanes

Thanks a lot.

MascotDec85

You actually don't need to if you use your mirrors appropriately on the approach.
If you do check it, don't twist around 120+ degrees. Turn your head so that your chin is in line with your shoulder MAX, turn you eyes at the same time in the direction you're looking to improve your view.

eeguy

MascotDec85 wrote: »

You actually don't need to if you use your mirrors appropriately on the approach.
If you do check it, don't twist around 120+ degrees. Turn your head so that your chin is in line with your shoulder MAX, turn you eyes at the same time in the direction you're looking to improve your view.

IMO when checking the blind spot you're not turning around to have a good gander at the road to the side.

You're just taking a quick glance to see if ANYTHING is there. A blur that might be a cyclist or a colour that might be a car. Anything that sets off a warning bell and warrants more attention.

MascotDec85

eeguy wrote: »

IMO when checking the blind spot you're not turning around to have a good gander at the road to the side.

You're just taking a quick glance to see if ANYTHING is there. A blur that might be a cyclist or a colour that might be a car. Anything that sets off a warning bell and warrants more attention.

Correct. It should only be a glance, not a stare but, it may not need to be carried out at all.....as I said above

con___manx1

the only time you check your blind spot in the test is when you are reversing around the corner and when you are moving off. you cant check your blind spot when changing lanes on the motor way for instance driving at 100 or 120 k. 1 second your eyes are off the road the next you hit a wall and your dead.
when changing lanes indicate in advance dont just indicate and swing into the other lane like so many idiot drivers. if you indicate in advance you give a car or motor cyclist time to react if they are in your blind spot.

eeguy

con___manx1 wrote: »

you cant check your blind spot when changing lanes on the motor way for instance driving at 100 or 120 k. 1 second your eyes are off the road the next you hit a wall and your dead.

Wut?? :eek::eek:

Of course you can! How would you hit a wall on a motorway in 1 second?
I'd be seriously worried if people are changing lanes without checking their blind spot

Alanstrainor

MascotDec85 wrote: »

You actually don't need to if you use your mirrors appropriately on the approach.
If you do check it, don't twist around 120+ degrees. Turn your head so that your chin is in line with your shoulder MAX, turn you eyes at the same time in the direction you're looking to improve your view.

I completely agree with you on this. I think the OP is over checking blind spots when it is not appropriate to do so.

con___manx1 wrote: »

the only time you check your blind spot in the test is when you are reversing around the corner and when you are moving off. you cant check your blind spot when changing lanes on the motor way for instance driving at 100 or 120 k. 1 second your eyes are off the road the next you hit a wall and your dead.
when changing lanes indicate in advance dont just indicate and swing into the other lane like so many idiot drivers. if you indicate in advance you give a car or motor cyclist time to react if they are in your blind spot.

That is so unbelievably wrong. The motorway is one of the scenarios where checking your blind spot is essential when changing lanes. The nature of a blind spot means a car/motorbike could be right beside you and also not visible at all in your mirror. Always check your blind spot when changing lanes and merging on a motorway/dual carriageway.

blacking7

Here are two examples:

cyclinginchristchurch.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/rtcyclelane2.jpg

static.wixstatic.com/media/0bcebb_98ac610ac9b949259f61262927bec747.jpg_srz_920_455_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz
(someone might drive on mark so we need to check...I think)

Alanstrainor

blacking7 wrote: »

Here are two examples:

cyclinginchristchurch.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/rtcyclelane2.jpg

static.wixstatic.com/media/0bcebb_98ac610ac9b949259f61262927bec747.jpg_srz_920_455_85_22_0.50_1.20_0.00_jpg_srz
(someone might drive on mark so we need to check...I think)

1. I would think that you do not need to check your blind spot in this case. However, as is almost always the case, it depends. If the road was relatively clear and you had checked your mirror on approach, and just again before moving into lane you would be fine. If you were driving in heavy traffic, I would think that checking over your shoulder would be a good idea, as a) there could be a cyclist making progress through the traffic b) in traffic you are dealing with mostly static/slow vehicles so checking a blind spot isn't such a concern.

2. I would not see the need to check your blind spot here. I would also think it would be unlikely to get marked for crossing the hatch markings seeing that they are very brief. Before approaching lane markings check left mirror, indicate and proceed to roundabout. That's how I would deal with that, however I can appreciate if others think differently.

eeguy

Alanstrainor wrote: »

1. I would think that you do not need to check your blind spot in this case. However, as is almost always the case, it depends. If the road was relatively clear and you had checked your mirror on approach, and just again before moving into lane you would be fine. If you were driving in heavy traffic, I would think that checking over your shoulder would be a good idea, as a) there could be a cyclist making progress through the traffic b) in traffic you are dealing with mostly static/slow vehicles so checking a blind spot isn't such a concern.

2. I would not see the need to check your blind spot here. I would also think it would be unlikely to get marked for crossing the hatch markings seeing that they are very brief. Before approaching lane markings check left mirror, indicate and proceed to roundabout. That's how I would deal with that, however I can appreciate if others think differently.

I work on the assumption that everyone on the road is an idiot, so I always check my blind spot.

Alanstrainor

eeguy wrote: »

I work on the assumption that everyone on the road is an idiot, so I always check my blind spot.

As do I. I regularly check my blind spot also. But there are situations where it is not needed.

OP has said they got marks against them in the test for over checking. I wonder if it's best for them to ask their instructor about this, and to see if there is something wrong with their process.

blacking7

Thanks guys.
I think I would check when:
1. moving off
2. overtaking
3. changing lane: from left lane to right lane or right lane to left lane , driving into new lane.

would not check it when turning left/right

in test.

con___manx1

eeguy wrote: »

Wut?? :eek::eek:

Of course you can! How would you hit a wall on a motorway in 1 second?
I'd be seriously worried if people are changing lanes without checking their blind spot

try nodding off for 1 second lol.my driving instructor never told me that and i didnt get a mark for not doing it. the only times i looked over my shoulder in the test was moving off and reversing around the corner. I have never seen anyone doing it as a passenger either.

MascotDec85

con___manx1 wrote: »

try nodding off for 1 second lol.my driving instructor never told me that and i didnt get a mark for not doing it. the only times i looked over my shoulder in the test was moving off and reversing around the corner. I have never seen anyone doing it as a passenger either.

You weren't on a motorway in your test though.

eeguy

MascotDec85 wrote: »

You weren't on a motorway in your test though.

If you are driving so dangerously that a 1 second lapse in concentration will cause you to crash then you should stay away from motorways.

caldew

IMO as a general rule checking the blind spot in a moving vehicle should only be done when changing lanes or merging (yes motorways). There can be exceptions but you should not be checking blind spots when turning left or right.
Somebody earlier mentioned checking blind stop when overtaking. Please don't do this as you could have your eyes off the road ahead for the split second it takes a child runs out from behind a parked car.
Also be aware of where the blind spot is. It is not behind you, it is to the side.

blacking7

caldew wrote: »

IMO as a general rule checking the blind spot in a moving vehicle should only be done when changing lanes or merging (yes motorways). There can be exceptions but you should not be checking blind spots when turning left or right.
Somebody earlier mentioned checking blind stop when overtaking. Please don't do this as you could have your eyes off the road ahead for the split second it takes a child runs out from behind a parked car.
Also be aware of where the blind spot is. It is not behind you, it is to the side.

Thanks.

cyclinginchristchurch.files.wordpress.com/2013/04/rtcyclelane2.jpg

If I drive into this kind of changing lane, is it 'change lane' ?

caldew

If you are talking about moving to the filter lane why would you check your blind spot in that situation?

What could be there that you cannot see in your mirrors?

Amadeus 2014

caldew wrote: »

Somebody earlier mentioned checking blind stop when overtaking. Please don't do this

caldew wrote: »

If you are talking about moving to the filter lane why would you check your blind spot in that situation?

What could be there that you cannot see in your mirrors?

On behalf of bikers everywhere can I please ask that drivers check blind spots EVERY time they cross a white line, be that for merging, overtaking, moving into a filter lane or changing lanes on a motorway. You never know when a biker (or cyclist in slow moving traffic) could be filtering up, overtaking or just unluckily in your blind spot. It's also good practice to take a half second glance in your mirror before turning left or right at a junction from a major to a minor road, in case someone is coming up the outside and didn't see your indicators

caldew

If you are moving into the filter lane in the image you would be approx 1 metre from the right hand kerb before the maneuver. If used properly on approach to the junction your mirrors are covering this area. A blind spot check here is unnecessarily taking your eyes off the road ahead. A sure way to fail your driving test.

blacking7

caldew wrote: »

If you are moving into the filter lane in the image you would be approx 1 metre from the right hand kerb before the maneuver. If used properly on approach to the junction your mirrors are covering this area. A blind spot check here is unnecessarily taking your eyes off the road ahead. A sure way to fail your driving test.

It makes sense. I think if it's hatch marking beside me, I should check it. Someone might drive on there.