Slip Lanes (On)
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On Ramps may require you to filter, or merge, with traffic in Lane 1 of the main carriageway.
Look for signs which may tell you you don't actually need to merge. The slip lane may just become the left lane of a 3 lane carriageway! It's much easier like this.
You must match your speed to that of the traffic in Lane 1. The traffic in Lane 1 has priority, so it is up to you to fit in with them. If you're lucky, they may change into lane 2, to allow you a free passage onto the main carriageway.
Use your mirrors EARLY, and decide whether it will be safer to go faster, or go slower, or maintain your current speed, according to what you can see behind you.
Move your head slightly to see as much as possible through the offside mirror. The earlier you see what is behind you, the more time you will have to make your decision about when to join. If you have more time to make your decison then you will generally make a better decision.
For example, if you see a blue car in lane 1, and it is going faster than you, you might say to yourself: "I'm going to join after the blue car has passed". If the blue car is going quite slowly, then you might say to yourself: "I'm going to go a bit faster, and join before the blue car".
Remember, though, Think Ahead, But DO NOT decide ahead!
You may need to alter your plan if the situation changes (for example, if the blue car suddenly speeds up!).
Slip Lanes (off)
After correctly identifying your exit, make sure you are in the left lane at the 1 mile marker (the first big sign on motorways). On motorways, junctions are numbered in the corner of the sign.
Use signals when you are alongside the countdown markers, but keep your speed up with the traffic flow until you have left the main carriageway.
Aim high with your eyes. Look well ahead. Anticipate your required position on the Off ramp/Exit Slip according to the road directional signs.
Compulsory Exit Lanes
Compulsory exit lanes, or 'Local Traffic' lanes, will eventually peel away from the main carriageway and lead you somewhere else. It is basically a long slip lane, which runs alongside the main carriageway for a time. Look well ahead for road signs, and read the road (literally).
If you need to change from lane 1 (nearside lane/left lane), into lane 2, then check your blindspot! Why? Because someone may be changing from lane 3 to lane 2, at the same time.
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