What is the best way to indicate that you want to make a lane change during rush hour on the freeway?

Using your signal and making eye contact is the best method to indicate a lane change, especially during busy times like rush hour. This approach allows you to communicate your intentions clearly to other drivers. Signaling alerts those around you that you intend to move into another lane, giving them the opportunity to adjust their speed or position accordingly, which promotes safety and reduces the risk of accidents.

Making eye contact with nearby drivers further enhances this communication. It ensures that they acknowledge your signal and understand your intentions, making it less likely for them to be surprised by your maneuver. This combination of signaling and eye contact is a fundamental practice for safe driving, especially in heavy traffic where vehicles can be closely packed.

Other methods, such as honking your horn or flashing your headlights, may not convey your intentions effectively and can potentially lead to confusion among drivers. Slowing down slightly might mislead other drivers about your intentions, signaling that you are uncertain about changing lanes instead of indicating that you are preparing to do so. Therefore, using your signal and making eye contact is the most responsible and effective way to communicate a lane change in congested conditions.