Driving in a dense stream, when adjacent lanes stand and one “goes”, creates the temptation for drivers to start maneuvering between rows. Driver's slang calls it "checkering." For some, it is a way to save time, for others – a dangerous game on the verge of a foul. However, if you decide to practice this driving style, it is crucial to understand the physics of the process and safety rules so as not to turn the trip into an accident.
It is important to realize that checkering It is not just a chaotic rebuilding, but a series of quick but calculated actions. Mistaking the distance or speed of a nearby car can cost you a bumper and, in the worst case, your health. The statistics of accidents in large megacities confirm that a significant part of small collisions occur when trying to “leak” into the gap, which does not actually exist.
Before pulling the steering wheel, it is necessary to conduct an instant but thorough analysis of the road situation. Dimensions of your vehicle They play a key role here: it is more difficult to maneuver on a long sedan or heavy SUV than on a compact hatchback. It is also worth considering the condition of the road surface and weather conditions, since on wet asphalt the braking distance increases, and the reaction of other road users slows down.
Choosing the Right Time and Evaluating Traffic
The success of any maneuver to rearrange in a dense stream depends on the right choice of moment. You can’t rely on luck; you need to see things a few corps ahead. The ideal situation to start the maneuver is when a “window” has formed in the next row, and the flow rate there is higher or more stable than in your current row.
The distance should be assessed taking into account the inertia of both vehicles. If you are in a car with gearboxThe reaction to the gas press can be slightly smoother, which requires a margin of time. At the same time, the owner of the car with powertrain must be ready for a sharp drop of clutch and gas for a jerk.
It is critical to keep an eye not only on the car you are planning to rearrange, but also on those who are moving behind it. It often happens that the driver who missed you immediately gives way to another, creating a dangerous situation. The minimum safe clearance to start the adjustment in the flow at a speed of 60 km / h is at least 1.5 of the length of your car.
When evaluating traffic, use side mirrors, but don’t rely on them entirely. Make sure to make a quick head rotation to eliminate blind spots. Blind spot This is an area where a motorcycle or car may be hiding, whose nose has already leveled with your rear bumper.
Safe Reconstruction Technique and Steering
The main rule of checkering is smoothness and predictability. Sharp steering movements in a dense stream can lead to loss of grip of the wheels with the road, especially if the asphalt has irregularities or is sprinkled with sand. The trajectory of the reconstruction should be a gentle arc, not a broken line.
At the time of the reconstruction, it is necessary to control steering-angle. Too sharp a wheel twist can lead to skids, especially on cars with a short wheelbase or active rear suspension. Stabilization systems (ESP) They can interfere with the operation of the engine, which is not always desirable when maneuvering.
- 🚗 Turn on the turn signal in advance, 3-5 seconds before the maneuver starts, so that other drivers have time to notice your intention.
- 👀 Constantly monitor side spacing, not pressing close to neighboring cars either in front or behind.
- ⚡ Use acceleration to align speed with the target flow, rather than braking, which can trigger (a rear impact).
⚠️ Never start rebuilding unless you are sure that the driver of the next car is seeing you. Eye contact through glass or in a mirror is the best indicator.
When working with the steering wheel, keep it confident, but without unnecessary tension. If you feel that the flow in the next row began to slow down, it is better to refuse the maneuver and stay in your row. Aggressive diving into a closing space is a sure way to get hit in the side.
Signals and communication with other drivers
In a dense stream, words are not audible, so light devices and gestures remain the main language of communication. Competent use turn-piece This is not just a requirement of traffic rules, but also a way to declare your intentions. Blinking "emergency" can be perceived in two ways, so use it only in emergency situations.
Often drivers use short-term flashing high beams or fog lights to mark themselves in the mirrors in front of the car. However, xenon flashy LED light They can blind the interlocutor, causing a backlash. Be careful with the flashing lights.
Psychology of road conflict
Why don't drivers let you through? Often the reason lies not in anger, but in the rhinestone to lose position in the flow. The driver who won’t let you in is likely afraid that he or she will be “cut” on the other side if he or she creates a gap. Understanding this helps to keep your cool and not to get into conflict.
If you are missed, it is not superfluous to blink an “emergency” once or nod if the driver sees you. This creates a positive atmosphere on the road. However, you should not count on gratitude or courtesy from all participants of the movement.
Communication becomes more difficult at night. You have to navigate only by the overall lights and reflections. In such circumstances light-signalling It is the only reliable tool. Make sure your lights are clean and bright.
Speed and acceleration dynamics
Draught involves frequent change of speed. You will have to accelerate to overtake the row, then sharply brake to fit into the gap. Dynamic characteristics of the engine It's a big deal. Turbocharged motors often have a “turbohole” to consider when planning a thrust.
It's important to remember inertia car. Heavy machines with high clearance, such as crossover Or, the SUVs have a higher center of gravity. Sharp changes at high speed are more dangerous for them than for low sedans. The risk of a pivot or axis demolition is real.
| Type of car | Gas response | Brakeway | Proneness to roll |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (B-Class) | Fast. | Medium. | Low. |
| Off-road vehicle (SUV) | Slowed down. | Long. | Tall. |
| Sportcar | Instant. | Short. | Minimum |
| minivan | Inert | Very long. | Medium/High |
With frequent accelerations and braking, fuel consumption increases by 1.5-2 times. Wear is also increasing. brake-pad and transmissions. If you practice active driving regularly, monitor the temperature of the brake discs to avoid overheating and losing efficiency.
☑️ Checking the car before active driving
Typical mistakes and dangerous situations
The most common mistake is “checker” through two or more stripes in one reception. It's forbidden by traffic and deadly. You lose control of the situation in the intermediate rows, where at any moment a door or a car can open. Always re-arrange only in one row.
Another mistake is driving along the side of the road or the dividing lane in order to bypass the traffic jam. This is not a checkering, but a violation of the rules for which you can lose your rights. In addition, debris, nails or just an open hatch are often found on the side of the road, which will lead to damage. tires and disks.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to skip between rows when they begin to close ("checker" at the end of the traffic jam in front of the traffic light) often ends in a side collision. Better to lose 2 minutes than an hour to analyze the accident.
Do not underestimate the motorcyclists. They can appear in any gap instantly. Motorcycles They have the right to filter between rows (in some countries), and their dimensions allow them to climb where the machine has nothing to do. Always check the space between the rows.
Keep the distance to the car in front of you a little more than usual when shashkating. This will give you time to react if the car in front brakes or rebuilt without warning.
Legal aspects and fines
Although there is no term “draughts” in traffic rules, the actions of the driver are governed by the general rules of maneuvering. The main requirement is not to interfere with other participants of the movement and not to cross continuous lines of marking. Violation of these rules entails administrative responsibility.
Rebuilding through a solid line of markings, even in a dense stream, threatens with a fine. Photo cameras have learned to recognize such maneuvers. Also dangerous is going to the “meeting” to bypass the traffic jam on the oncoming lanes, which can lead to deprivation of rights for a long time.
In the case of an accident during barefooting, the fault is most often recognized as mutual or lies on the one who did not give way, unless proven otherwise. However, collecting evidence (records from video recorders) can take a long time. Legal purity Manoeuvre is your main defense.
Draughts are only justified when one lane moves and the others stand. If all lanes are moving at the same low speed, the rearrangements will not give you a gain in time, but will increase the risk of an accident.
It is also worth remembering about insurance. If it is proved that the accident occurred as a result of dangerous driving (sharp restructuring, creating an emergency), the insurance company can apply a recourse requirement. This means that the damage will have to be paid out of your pocket.
Psychology and composure while driving
Aggressive driving is often driven by emotions such as rushing, anger at other drivers, or a desire to assert oneself. It's important to keep emotional control. If someone cuts you off, don’t try to get back. The main thing on the road is to drive in one piece, not to prove yourself right.
Fatigue and stress reduce concentration. When draughts require maximum concentration. If you feel tired, it’s best to slow down and move in the general flow, even if it’s slow. Reaction of a tired driver It slows down, which increases the risk of error.
Can I use an automatic transmission?
Yes, you can, but you need to take into account the peculiarity of the machine. When pressed sharply on the gas, the box may first "think" before switching down. Use Sport mode or forced gear shifting for faster response.
What do I do if I'm not allowed in?
Don't push. If the driver does not make contact, then the situation is unsafe for him or he just does not want to let you in. Slow down, skip it and look for another moment. Aggression in response will only make the situation worse.
Does the penalty for the squashing threaten?
In itself, frequent restructuring is not a basis for deprivation of rights, unless specific articles of the Administrative Code are violated (for example, leaving for a meeting, crossing a solid one, creating interference). However, systematic dangerous driving can be a cause for litigation.
How to prepare your car for active driving in the city?
Check the tire pressure, the condition of the brake pads and the level of technical fluids. Make sure the mirrors are properly configured and the glass is clean. Good visibility is a guarantee of safety during maneuvers.
In conclusion, draughts is a skill that requires high skill and a cold head. Don’t risk your life for five minutes. The road forgives mistakes only to those who respect its laws and other participants in the movement. Be careful, predictable and safe.