Lane excuse

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Lane excuse

I am having a problem with my car insurer regarding responsibility. I was involved in a recent crash on the M6. I was in the left hand lane when a lorry entering the motorway from a slip-road did not slow down or stop but continued onto the motorway. In order to avoid a collision, I swerved to the right and was hit by an overtaking vehicle in the second lane. My insurance company holds me responsible, quoting section 267 of the Highway Code (changing lanes without care). Is there a Highways authority that I can approach for a definitive ruling on the correct driving procedure?

Asked on 1 May 2010 by L.B., via e-mail

Answered by Honest John

You should (obviously) anticipate vehicles wishing to join the motorway and, if possible, should accommodate them by moving to a lane to your right if it is safe to do so. In your case it wasn't. But you seem to have reacted to the truck too late. Drivers of vehicles already on the motorway have a far better view of vehicles on the slip-road than drivers of vehicles on the slip-road have of vehicles on the motorway due to the angles involved, so common sense and survival instincts rather than rules are required here.

Tags: highway code insurance driving legal issues claims

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