Author Topic: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.  (Read 10771 times)

Offline johns4104s

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Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« on: August 23, 2009, 09:24:46 AM »
I was and still am nervous about changing Lanes in heavy traffic, its not bad going slow, but in large cities when the traffic is going 45 to 60 mph it can be difficult getting someone to let you in.
In my 4104 days I fixed this with mounting a Large truck fender Multiple bulb turn light up front on each side of the coach. It pretty much worked everytime, people would stay away and let you in cause it was so bright.
I was looking for something similar to attach lots of them down both sides and on the trailer. Any ideas?

Thanks

John

Offline josephgranzier

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #1 on: August 23, 2009, 09:36:25 AM »
I find in my box truck , that a combination of turn signal and slight movement towards the lane - gives them the idea I 'm moving over .
turn signal , fake the lane change , watch them slow down and give you room. ;)
Baltimore / Washington beltway traffic revivals L.A.

cody

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #2 on: August 23, 2009, 09:39:21 AM »
If that doesn't work, the white knuckles and insane laugh works for me lol.

Offline belfert

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #3 on: August 23, 2009, 09:53:52 AM »
My bus came with combination turn/marker lights on each side.  These seem to be enough to cause vehicles to leave space especially if you start moving over a little bit.
Brian Elfert - 1995 Dina Viaggio 1000 Series 60/B500 - 75% done but usable - Minneapolis, MN

Offline luvrbus

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #4 on: August 23, 2009, 10:10:55 AM »
John, 2 other systems you can use are the side mounted cameras for your backup system or the radar like Greyhound uses.
Your bigger they will yield when you keep moving over.   




good luck
Life is short drink the good wine first

Offline Lin

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #5 on: August 23, 2009, 11:42:44 AM »
I wonder whether an audible signal would help.  Something like a really loud back-up alarm that pulsed along with the lights.
You don't have to believe everything you think.

Offline luvrbus

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #6 on: August 23, 2009, 11:57:23 AM »
John, when I drive through a large metro area like Houston,Dallas or Phoenix I choose the middle lane very seldom do you need to change lanes   


good luck
Life is short drink the good wine first

Offline lostagain

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #7 on: August 23, 2009, 12:22:30 PM »
Driving bus in the '70s, people backed off to let you in when you put your signal on. Now they accelerate to keep you off. I find you just have to put your signal on and force your way in, like everybody else...

JC
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Offline Van

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #8 on: August 23, 2009, 01:17:26 PM »
As Sean was leaving Boulder City yesterday ,by the way thanks Sean for a wonderful tour of Odyssey,we had Cheryl and I had a great time,Oh ! Sean was merging back onto the road way across the damn and a car purposly would not let him in and eventualy cut him off at the last minute after almost wrecking his car into the median,If you can't see a bus trying to merge in front of you,biggest bulb in the world wouldn't help,Nice goin by the way Sean ,handled like a true professional ;D 
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Airbag

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #9 on: August 23, 2009, 01:23:53 PM »
 ;D ;D ;D ;D



 ;D ;D ;D

Offline Lin

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #10 on: August 23, 2009, 01:26:35 PM »
Airbag,
     Do you have them on the other side too?
You don't have to believe everything you think.

Offline Dreamscape

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #11 on: August 23, 2009, 01:27:34 PM »
I've had experience in LA I-5 traffic, Phoenix and Dallas. I'm with Clifford. I choose the second lane from the far left to get through town, if I have to exit, I put on my blinkers way ahead of time, and look in my mirrors and edge my way in. If they're smart they'll slow down and let you in, if they're dumb move anyway! ;D I'll also try to follow truckers, they seem to know which lane to be in most of the time, when going through unfamiliar territory for me.

I do like idea of side camera's though, might make for a safer lane change.

I hate driving in large cities period!

Paul
______________________________________________________

Our coach was originally owned by the Dixie Echoes.

Airbag

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #12 on: August 23, 2009, 01:51:41 PM »
Airbag,
     Do you have them on the other side too?

Not yet but I am thinking of a spot for them, have not decided, they do get peoples attention just a little toot will do ya.

Offline loosenut

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #13 on: August 23, 2009, 03:28:43 PM »
I start easing then I close my eyes.  It is way less scary than watching people flashing their lights and swerving out of the way.  So far 4,000ish miles into the bus thing it has worked very well.

Mike
Sold 85 Neoplan 33ft 6V92ta, sadly busless

Offline mikeH8H-649

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Re: Changing Lanes in Heavy traffic.
« Reply #14 on: August 23, 2009, 03:37:14 PM »
In a truck or bus a turn signal is not a question it is a statement.   Mike

 

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