What is the recommended lane-position strategy on a three-lane highway to optimize safety?

• A. Stay in the left lane for faster traffic
• B. Always drive in the right lane
• C. Stay in the middle lane when possible to allow space to exit and reduce blind spots; avoid staying in the right lane if it’s heavily merging.
• D. Change lanes frequently to keep options open

Answer: (C)

The safest default lane position on a three-lane highway is to stay in the middle lane when possible. This position gives you the most flexibility to respond to traffic changes: you can smoothly adjust to vehicles merging from ramps on either side and you’re not locked into the far-right lane where exiting or merging traffic is most common. Being in the middle lane also reduces the need for constant lane changes, which lowers the chance of a collision caused by weaving in and out of lanes. Left lanes are generally for passing, so staying there too long can invite more lane changes and increase risk. If the right lane is heavily merging, the middle lane offers a safer cushion and an easier route to adapt or move if needed. In short, the middle lane maximizes space, visibility, and options for reacting to others, making it the safer default choice.