COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
- Public health restrictions: Alberta entered Step 2 on March 1.
- Book your vaccine: Albertans 5+ can get it now. Get third dose when eligible.
COVID-19 Updates: Taking steps to return to normal.
Most major roadways and highways are divided into lanes with lines on the road surface to indicate where your vehicle should travel and the rules of lane driving that you should follow. Choose the lane that best meets your needs for safety and getting to your destination. Plan ahead. Do not leave lane changes to the last minute.
When a roadway has been divided into lanes by visible marking lines on the road surface, you should drive in the centre of your lane.
Your inside and outside rear view mirrors will show you the traffic that is behind your vehicle. They will not show you everything to the sides or what is right beside and slightly behind you in the lane next to you. These are the blind spots.
The view you see in your inside rear view mirror should show as much of the view through your rear window as possible. The outside rear view mirrors should show you a little of your vehicle on the side where the mirror is attached, as well as the area behind you in the lane next to you. They should be positioned to allow you to see, from your driving position, the horizon in the middle of your mirror behind you. Be sure your inside and outside rear view mirrors are adjusted properly to minimize blind spots.
The following pictures show what can be seen in properly adjusted mirrors.
The driver of vehicle A cannot see vehicles E and F, either in the mirrors or through peripheral (side) vision. Vehicles E and F are in vehicle A’s blind spots.
The red shading shows the blind spots for driver A.
Because of the blind spots, you must do shoulder checks in addition to mirror checks before changing lanes. To do a shoulder check properly, quickly glance back over your shoulder through the rear side windows in the direction you intend to move. This allows you to see the area you will not be able to see in your mirrors.
If you do not have backseat side windows or a back rear window, you will need to use your outside mirrors with an attached convex mirror.
When moving from one lane to another, do the following: