52 Chapter 4 — Your Driving If you encounter a curve while traveling downhill: Turning Following The Two-Second Rule Changing Lanes Important rules about changing lanes: On a highway with multiple lanes of traffic, check the lane you are changing to,  as well as the lane beyond, to be certain that another vehicle is not planning to  move into the same space. The “two-second rule” says that you should allow two seconds  between the time the vehicle ahead of you passes a given point  and the time your vehicle reaches the same point. Following too closely is a leading cause of traffic crashes. Maintain plenty of  space between your vehicle and the one ahead. If the vehicle ahead stops  suddenly, you will need time to react. On the open road, keep enough distance  between you and the vehicle ahead so that a passing vehicle can safely move  into and occupy the space. Remember to follow the “two-second rule.”  Motorcycles and bicycles are  especially hard to see during a turn.  Always give the proper signal and  look before turning to make sure  that you can turn safely.  For right turns, stay close to the right  edge of the road, so that another  vehicle cannot move between your  vehicle and the curb. Reduce the  vehicle’s speed before making the  turn and then accelerate slightly. 3. If you must brake in the curve, apply the brakes gradually until you are sure  it is safe to keep continuous pressure on the brake pedal; 4. Begin to turn the vehicle just prior to the point where the road begins to  turn; and 5. Stay on your side of the road and drive as far to the right as you can. 1. Consider the pull of gravity; 2. Shift to a lower gear before moving downhill; and 3. Begin to brake earlier and approach the curve more slowly than you would  on a level roadway. •  Check the side and rear-view mirrors; •  Check over your shoulder to be certain the blind spot is clear; •  Signal your intended movement in advance; and •  Proceed with changing lanes.