How To Change Lanes Effectively (And To the Astonishment of Others)
Helpful Citizen

If you own a performance vehicle, are a type A personality, are perpetually running late, are always going somewhere important, or are just generally impatient with the drivers on the road, you likely wish you could discover an effective way of getting to your destination more quickly. This Knowledge article covers "dipping," or the conscious effort to cover miles - in moderate to heavy traffic - at a more effective pace than every other car on the road. Here are some tips on how to cut through traffic and learn that the quickest way from A to B is not always a straight line.

1. Always look three cars ahead.
Don't be one of those assholes who cuts someone off only to see his new lane slow to a crawl as he gets passed by everyone else.

2. Check trends.
If you notice people in other lanes passing you, don't automatically assume that their lane is clearer than yours. Most drivers will drive into a traffic jam quickly, and most of the time, that's what they're doing. Look ahead to make sure.

3. Think ahead.
Don't just move into the open lane. Plan on where you will go after that. In many cases, you're better off staying in a slower lane that has future openings than a temporarily faster one that is flanked by bumper-to-bumper traffic.

4. Go slower than you think you need to.
The faster you go, the less time you'll give for new lane openings. Additionally, all you're doing is tailgaiting, and that's just dumb. Go slower, and keep your eyes open for new opportunities to dip.

5. Don't signal.
First of all, you are going to move over. You are not requesting permission. You should only be considering a lane change when you know that there is an opening in a more desireable lane. Second, you run the risk of some asshole who otherwise would be oblivious to the fact he left a space in front of him speed up and not let you in.

6. Check your blind spots.
Don't be a moron. If you get in an accident, even once, don't ever dip again. You obviously lack the skill.

7. Watch for cops.
If you're in traffic, it's likely the cop stuck in traffic is as unhappy about it as you are. Don't forget that Aggressive Driving, a subjective determination that includes what this article promotes, is a moving violation. Additionally, Good Samaritans can call the cops on their cell phone about your driving, so don't make people think you are about to kill them.